Carnegie Endowment: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I eligible to apply for the Junior Fellows Program?
2. How do I obtain an application?
3. What is the difference between a nomination and a reference?
4. If I've already graduated, how do I apply?
5. When is the application deadline?
6. What are the criteria?
7. As a Junior Fellow, what kind of work would I do?
8. Are Junior Fellows paid?
9. When does the fellowship begin?

1. Am I eligible to apply for the Junior Fellows Program?

Applicants must be graduating seniors or alums who have graduated during the last academic year. No one who has started graduate studies is eligible for consideration. The Carnegie Endowment accepts applications only through Willamette's Office of Student Academic Grants and Awards, which is the designated nominating office.

2. How do I obtain an application?

Information and application forms are available from Student Academic Grants and Awards. The Carnegie Foundation does not send applications directly to students.

3. What is the difference between a nomination and a reference?

Applicants must provide two references, one of which should be from a professor in the student's major department of study. A statement of nomination confirms that the student has been selected by Willamette as one of two nominees. The nomination is written by the director of Student Academic Grants and Awards.

4. If I've already graduated, how do I apply?

You should apply through the Office of Student Academic Grants and Awards.

5. When is the application deadline?

The campus deadline is December 1. Applications will be reviewed and the two nominees notified of their selection by the end of finals week. The two nominees will be able to revise applications over the winter break. Final submission is in January.

6. What are the criteria?

The application process is highly competitive. Approximately 5% of applicants are ultimately selected. Applications are judged on the quality of the written essay, related academic study and/or work experience, grades, recommendations, and personal interviews.

7. As a Junior Fellow, what kind of work would I do?

Junior Fellows provide research assistance to Associates working on the Carnegie Endowment's projects such as non-proliferation, democracy building, trade, US leadership, China-related issues and Russian/Eurasian studies. Junior Fellows have the opportunity to conduct research for books, co-author journal articles and policy papers, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials.

8. Are Junior Fellows paid?

Positions are paid, full-time for one year. Fellows are currently paid a gross salary of $3,000 monthly. Full benefits are also provided.

9. When does the fellowship begin?

All fellowships begin on August 1. Junior Fellows are hired for approximately one year.