PRRI Public Fellows Program: A Path to Public Scholarship

The PRRI Public Fellows Program offers a unique 11-month opportunity for mid-career scholars to translate their academic research into accessible content for a wider audience. Launched in 2017, this non-residential fellowship aims to equip researchers with the skills needed to engage the public on critical issues at the intersection of religion, culture, and politics. The program is designed for those who wish to shape their work for public consumption and generate impactful commentary and analysis.

Program Focus Areas

The PRRI Public Fellows program actively seeks a diverse group of nine scholars. These fellows will concentrate on key areas that align with PRRI’s ongoing research initiatives. The primary areas of focus include Pluralism and Democracy, Immigration and American Society, and LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics. Applicants should demonstrate academic expertise in at least one of these fields.

Benefits for Public Fellows

Participants in the 2026-2027 PRRI Public Fellows cohort will receive a range of valuable benefits designed to support their professional development and public engagement efforts. The fellowship includes a stipend of $5,000, along with course release funds of up to $10,000 for the Spring 2027 semester. Fellows will also have access to annual microgrants, up to $10,000 in each research area, to support new interdisciplinary scholarly projects within the cohort.

The program features virtual monthly meetings and quarterly training sessions and workshops. A significant component is an in-person convening in Washington, D.C., during Spring 2027, with PRRI covering all travel expenses. During this convening, fellows will have the chance to meet with writers from major media outlets, receive media training, and engage in discussions with experts on writing for various public platforms. Additionally, fellows gain early access to PRRI’s data and archives and will collaborate closely with PRRI’s research and communications teams. For those with primarily qualitative or humanities backgrounds, PRRI offers specific training and support to help connect public-opinion survey research with their areas of expertise.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the PRRI Public Fellows Program, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent terminal degree and maintain a formal affiliation with an accredited college, university, seminary, or research institute located in the United States. A key requirement is that fellows must have earned their terminal degree between three and twelve years prior to the application date.

Demonstrable academic expertise in one of PRRI’s core research areas—Pluralism and Democracy, Immigration and American Society, or LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics—is essential. Furthermore, all applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. These criteria ensure that the selected fellows possess the necessary academic standing and are positioned to contribute meaningfully to the program’s goals.

Application Process

The application for the PRRI Public Fellows Program requires several components to assess a candidate’s suitability and potential for public scholarship. Applicants must submit a statement of interest, not exceeding 800 words, detailing their motivation for pursuing the fellowship and their professional development objectives in public scholarship. A current curriculum vitae (CV) is also mandatory.

In addition to these documents, applicants need to provide three work samples. These samples should consist of links to and PDF copies of articles, op-eds, or blog posts published within the last three years. Preference is given to samples published in outlets or on sites that reach a general public audience, showcasing the applicant’s best recent work in public-facing communication.

Frequently Asked Questions