James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program
For information, or to apply, contact Prof. Matthew Wright, Assistant Director of External Fellowships and Scholarships.
Description:
The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the U.S. As one of the world’s leading think tanks specializing in international affairs, the Endowment conducts programs of research, discussion, publication, and education. Each year the Endowment offers approximately 15 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. The Junior Fellows Program is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. James C. Gaither Junior Fellows provide research assistance to scholars working on projects such as nuclear policy, democracy building, energy and climate issues, international economics, international security, Middle East studies, South Asian politics, Asia and China-related issues, and Russian and Eurasian affairs.
Project Areas for 2025-26:
- Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program
- American Statecraft Program
- Nuclear Policy Program
- Technology and International Affairs Program
- Middle East Program
- International Security and Political Economy Program
- Asia Program
- Russia and Eurasia Program
- Africa Program
- Global Order and Institutions Program
- Sustainability, Climate, and Geopolitics Program
- Europe Program
Eligibility:
- Senior or student graduated during past academic year (cannot have started grad school);
- Must be eligible to work in U.S. for 10-12 months from September 1 through at least June 30 following graduation.
- Accepts International Students (Special Note: You must be attending a university within the United States and must be eligible to work in the United States from September 1 through at least June 30 following graduation).
Criteria for Selection:
- Applications are judged on the quality of the written essay, related academic study and/or work experience, grades, recommendations, and interviews.
- Applicants should have completed a significant amount of course work related to their discipline of interest.
- Language and other skills may also be required for certain assignments.
- Average GPA of 3.8
- International Experience is preferred (a semester abroad), as are candidates who plan a career related to international relations.
- Independent study or assisting a professor with research (especially in a field related to international relations) is also preferred but not required.
- Applicants must be nominated by St. Olaf College.
- Three-page essay is a key factor to being invited to interview.
- Interview is key to obtaining the internship.
Application Procedure:
St. Olaf is allowed to nominate two students annually to the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program. If you are interested in applying, contact Prof. Matthew Wright, Assistant Director of External Fellowships, to express your interest and to receive more information. To be considered, applicants must submit the materials listed below to the Assistant Director of External Fellowships by the St. Olaf internal deadline. Those applicants determined to be most competitive will receive St. Olaf’s nomination. If selected to represent St. Olaf, it is expected that you work closely with the fellowships advisor and your faculty to refine your essays and application materials.
The following application materials must be submitted by the St. Olaf internal deadline:
- Essay (one page or less, double-spaced) on why the student would like to become a junior fellow.
- 1-2 page resume.
- Transcript of undergraduate records. The transcript may be unofficial.
- Substantive essay on the prompt stated for your first choice program (no more than three pages, double-spaced).
- The names and email addresses of two people who can provide insights into your qualifications for this award (2 letters of recommendation will be required by the final campus deadline if you are selected one of the nominees to represent St. Olaf).
Award Benefits:
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, journalists and government officials. Positions are paid, full-time positions for one year. Junior fellows are currently paid a salary of $4,000 per month.