UChicago Applied Data Fellowship: A Deep Dive into the 2026 Program

The UChicago Applied Data Fellowship offers a unique year-long opportunity for individuals to work on high-impact programs with government, nonprofit, and social enterprise organizations in the United States. This fellowship focuses on translating data-driven insights into actionable policy recommendations, new programs, and operational improvements for partner institutions. Fellows are directly embedded within these organizations, gaining hands-on experience and working closely with senior leaders. The program also provides managerial oversight from experienced consultants and technical support, including data analysis training. Additionally, fellows receive personalized career support to help them achieve their post-fellowship career goals.

Fellowship Structure and Experience

The UChicago Applied Data Fellowship is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience. Fellows spend a full year working within their host institutions, which can range from government agencies to non-profit organizations and social enterprises. This direct involvement allows for a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these sectors. The fellowship emphasizes the practical application of data analysis, aiming to bridge the gap between raw data and tangible outcomes.

Beyond the day-to-day work, fellows benefit from structured support. Experienced development-sector consultants offer managerial oversight, ensuring that fellows are guided effectively throughout their projects. Technical support is also a key component, with opportunities for data analysis training and ongoing guidance. This dual focus on practical project work and skill development is central to the fellowship’s design.

Key Benefits for Fellows

Participants in the UChicago Applied Data Fellowship receive significant benefits designed to support their professional growth and financial well-being. A living stipend of $47,000 is provided for the year, ensuring that fellows can focus on their work without undue financial stress. In addition to the stipend, a separate health insurance stipend, reimbursable up to $5,000, is offered. It is important to note that these amounts are adjusted for fellows placed in cities with a higher cost of living than Chicago.

The fellowship also includes a structured matching process. Once selected, fellows are part of an ADF-led matching process where partner organizations have the opportunity to select the fellow(s) for their teams. This collaborative approach helps ensure buy-in from the host organizations and a good fit for both the fellow and the project.

Eligibility and Ideal Candidates

The UChicago Applied Data Fellowship seeks exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of public policy, robust data analysis skills, and effective project management capabilities. A deep desire to innovate and operationalize programs within the government, non-profit, and social enterprise sectors to achieve meaningful impact is also a key requirement. The program actively recruits individuals with a diverse range of skills, encompassing both technical and non-technical expertise.

Applicants from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The fellowship’s project types typically fall into several categories: policy, advocacy, and project management; data analysis and visualizations; and data engineering and more complex data science work. This broad scope allows for individuals with varied skill sets to contribute and grow within the program.

Application Process and Timeline

The application process for the UChicago Applied Data Fellowship is conducted on a rolling basis, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early to maximize their chances of consideration. The fellowship expects to begin interviewing candidates on a rolling basis starting in March.

The majority of fellows typically commence their project engagements between June and November. To facilitate this, match meetings between potential fellows and partner organizations begin approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the anticipated start of projects. This staggered timeline allows for a smooth transition and effective project initiation for all involved parties.

Frequently Asked Questions