USA James Madison Graduate Fellowship 2026
The James Madison Graduate Fellowship for 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for students focused on American history, government, and civics. Established by Congress to honour James Madison, this fellowship supports master’s degree candidates studying the Constitution. It aims to deepen understanding of the Constitution’s origins and impact, providing financial aid to enhance knowledge and teaching methods. Ideal candidates are educators committed to sharing constitutional knowledge with future generations. Overall, this fellowship promotes academic excellence and the spread of constitutional education nationwide.
About the James Madison Fellowship
The James Madison Fellowship Program aims to enhance instruction regarding the U.S. Constitution in American secondary education. It offers as much as $24,000 in financial support for master level graduate education to those intending to teach or currently teaching American history, government, or civics in grades 7–12.
Beyond financial support, this fellowship provides connectivity to a community of committed teachers and an enlightening Summer Institute on the Constitution in Washington, D.C.
Monetary Assistance & Terms
Every grant offers a maximum of $24,000, adjusted according to the length of the program:
- Up to $12,000 annually
- Includes tuition, necessary books, fees, and accommodation and meals (if necessary for studying away from home)
- Lastly, fellows who do not fulfill the teaching obligation, finish the program, or participate in the Summer Institute must repay the funds.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the James Madison Graduate Fellowship 2026, applicants need to be U.S. citizens and either current educators or those intending to teach American history, civics, or government in secondary schools (grades 7–12).
They need to possess a bachelor’s degree or be set to finish it by August 31, 2026, at the latest. In exchange for fellowship support, beneficiaries must instruct a qualifying subject for one complete academic year for every year of funding awarded. It’s crucial to understand that candidates only compete with others from their state of legal residency, ensuring the selection process is specific to each state.
Types of Fellowships
Fellowships can be broadly categorized into two primary types:
- Junior Fellowships: For undergraduate students in their final year or recent grads without prior teaching experience. The master’s degree must be finished within two years of full-time study.
- Senior Fellowships: For teachers currently working in secondary education. One can finish the degree in five years on a part-time basis.
The Admiral Paul A. Yost, Jr James Madison Fellowship is a uniquely funded opportunity available only to those who have served honorably in the U.S. military.
Authorized Degree Programs
Fellows can complete their master’s degree at any accredited university in the U.S., as long as the program encompasses a minimum of 12 semester credits in constitutional studies. Approved degrees consist of:
- Master’s degree in American history, political science, or government studies.
- MAT with a focus on Constitutional studies
- MEd or MS/MA in Education with an emphasis on constitutional studies.
A key aspect of the program is the Summer Institute on the U.S. Constitution—a demanding, six-credit graduate course conducted in Washington, D.C., uniting Fellows for four weeks of focused study and dialogue.
How to Apply
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