Duke Samuel DuBois Cook Center Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships 2026: Apply Now
Duke University students interested in social equity have a great chance to build research skills this summer. The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships 2026 offer hands-on experience studying inequality. Current undergraduates can apply to work on real projects that matter.
Program Overview
The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University runs this fellowship for undergrads from Duke and Duke Kunshan University (DKU). It focuses on the scientific study of inequality and its effects on society. Fellows join one of the center’s research areas, such as Educational and Economic Opportunity, Health Equity, or Carceral Justice. Other themes include systems of inequality, public policy, data science, and training new scholars.
This program helps students gain practical skills in research while connecting with mentors. It runs during the summer terms of 2026.
Key Responsibilities
Fellows take on clear tasks to support center projects. They assist with data collection, literature reviews, or data analysis. Everyone attends biweekly team meetings, either in person or online, to share updates and work with post-bac mentors and graduate students.
Fellows keep in touch with their mentors to check progress and ask questions. At the end, they write a short summary of their work for the Cook Center website. This builds communication skills and adds to their resume.
Time Commitment and Stipend
Plan for 14 to 19 hours per week on average. This covers meetings, research, and preparing reports. The stipend is $2,500 for one summer term. If you join for both terms, it goes up to $5,000.
Who Can Apply
This is open only to current Duke University or DKU undergrads who will enroll in Fall 2026. You must be eligible to work in the U.S. No other groups qualify.
How to Apply
Download the application form from the Cook Center site. Fill it out and gather all materials into one PDF. Email it to Tyson Brown at tyson.brown@duke.edu. Copy Jill Powell, the program manager, at jill.powell@duke.edu.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026, or until spots fill up. Check the full details on the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships page. Act soon to increase your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the fellowships?
Current Duke University or Duke Kunshan University undergraduates who will enroll in Fall 2026 and are eligible to work in the U.S. can apply.
What are the key responsibilities of fellows?
Fellows assist with data collection, literature reviews, or data analysis, attend biweekly meetings, stay in touch with mentors, and write a short summary of their work.
What is the time commitment and stipend?
Expect 14 to 19 hours per week on average, with a $2,500 stipend for one summer term or $5,000 for both terms.
How do I apply?
Download the form from the Cook Center website, compile materials into one PDF, and email to tyson.brown@duke.edu with jill.powell@duke.edu copied; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026.