National Fellowships

The Fellowships are for future secondary school teachers undertaking the study of the constitution. James Madison Fellows can attend any accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Each individual entering the James Madison Fellowship Program will be expected to pursue and complete a master's degree in one of the following (listed in order of preference):

• Master of Arts degree (MA) in American history or in political science (also referred to as "government and politics" or as "government");
• Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT) concentrating on either American Constitutional history (in a history department) or American government, political institutions and political theory (in a political science department);
• Master of Education degree (MEd) or the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Education, with a concentration in American history or American government, political institutions, and political theory.

To be eligible to apply for a fellowship, you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national; plan to become a teacher of American history, American government, or social studies at the secondary school level; and receive a bachelor's degree no later then August 31 of the year in which you are applying.

After earning a master's degree, each James Madison Fellow must teach American history, American government, or social studies in grades 7-12 for no less than one year for each full academic year of study under the fellowship.

The maximum amount of each award is up to $24,000, prorated over the individual period of study. Fellowship payments cover the actual costs of tuition, required fees, books, and room and board but cannot exceed $12,000 per academic year.