Echidna Global Scholars Program 2021 (Fully-funded to the U.S.)
Deadline: February 19, 2021
Applications are open for the Echidna Global Scholars Program 2021. The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a visiting fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution.
The program aims to build the research and analytical skills of NGO leaders and academics who have substantial experience and ties to developing countries. Echidna Scholars spend four to six months at Brookings pursuing research on global education issues, with a specific focus on improving learning opportunities and outcomes for girls in the developing world. Upon completion of their fellowship, CUE supports the scholars in implementing an action plan that applies their new skills and expertise in the developing country where they have demonstrated substantial ties.
During their residency at Brookings, Echidna Scholars work with CUE staff to develop a research project. They draw upon Brookings’ intellectual capital and convening power, as well as the extended public policy community in Washington through meetings and conferences, and through networking with the broader international development community. This program is made possible by the generous contribution of The Echidna Giving Fund.
Benefits
- Applicants selected for the fellowship will receive a living stipend of USD $5,000 a month while in D.C. (subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting), paid single-occupancy housing for the four-and-a-half-month term, round-trip travel expenses, and a limited health insurance plan.
Eligibility
- Applicants should have a background in education, development, economics, or a related area, with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in either research/academia; non-government and civil society; government; or business.
- Applicants will have an intimate understanding of education development issues and gender.
- Master’s degree required; Ph.D. or research background strongly preferred.
- Applicants should have strong analytical and writing skills.
Additional Information
- Applicants who have not worked explicitly on girls’ education previously are welcome to apply but should include an explanation of how this focus on girls’ education can be integrated successfully into their current and future work.
- Echidna Global Scholars’ research topics must be focused on education priorities for girls, as they are relevant in their specific contexts. This can include “second generation” priorities, like:
- Ensuring that girls can attend and complete primary and secondary school;
- Making schools safer and more secure;
- Improving the quality of learning for girls;
- Supporting girls’ transition to higher education and employment; and
- Cultivating local country leaders to champion this work at the grassroots level.
Application
- Submit a cover letter that explains your goals and intent for the program, along with your curriculum vitae or resume which will include a list of your publications, and fellowships, honors, awards, funded research, or foundation support that you have received. Please attach curriculum vitae or resume and cover letter as one document when you apply, as instructed.
- When prompted, attach answers to Questionnaire. Click here to access document.
- When prompted, attach Research Project Proposal. Click here to access document.
Documents must be saved with a format of Last Name, First Name and document name (for example: Doe_Jane_CV). Note that letters of recommendation, writing samples, and transcripts are NOT required. Please upload Questionnaire and Research Project Proposal in the Writing Sample section.
- Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to submit additional materials. Incomplete applications, and any applications received after the deadline will not be considered. If you require visa sponsorship to participate in this fellowship program, your English proficiency will be verified via an objective assessment as required by the U.S. Department of State.