James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program

    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 14 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:

    • Democracy Program
    • Nuclear Policy Program
    • Energy & Climate Program
    • Middle East Program
    • South Asia Program
    • China Studies (Asia program)
    • Japan Studies (Asia program)
    • Southeast Asia Studies (Asia Program)
    • Economics (Asia program)
    • Russia/Eurasia Program

    Refer to the initial application in Handshake for a description of the various projects.

    Eligibility:

    • Senior or student graduated during past academic year (cannot have started grad school);
    • Must be eligible to work in U.S. for full 12 months from August 1 through July 31 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 for a full twelve months from August 1 through July 31 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.
    • 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. To be considered, applicants must submit the materials listed below (Materials Due by St. Olaf Initial Campus Deadline) on Handshake. St. Olaf’s Campus Committee will review these materials and those applicants determined to be most competitive will be contacted to schedule a campus interview at the beginning of December. The Committee will then determine which students will receive St. Olaf’s nomination.

    Materials Due by St. Olaf Initial Campus Deadline:

    To Apply for St. Olaf’s Nomination, search #506098 James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program in the “Jobs” part of Handshake. 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 items will be due by the initial campus deadline:

    • “Initial Application,” comprised of the following items:
      • Application form
      • 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.
      • An essay of no more than three (3) typewritten, double-spaced pages on one of the project areas mentioned above (“Project Areas”). These topics are intended to test skills in analysis, logic, and written expression. The essay should be a thought piece, not a research paper. Students should submit an essay related to their primary research program interests, although the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program may ultimately select an applicant for a program outside of his/her designated primary interest or make an assignment to more than one program.
      • 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 as 1 of the 2 nominees to represent St. Olaf).
    • Signed “Permission Form & Waiver“ (available on Handshake)

    Materials Due by St. Olaf Final Campus Deadline:

    Submit the following in one pdf to Dr. Ananda-Owens (aok@stolaf.edu):

    • James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program Application Form including the cover letter
    • Final Essay (one page or less, double-spaced) on why you would like to become a junior fellow
    • One to two page resume
    • Two letters of recommendation (one of these should be from a faculty member in your major department). The letters should be submitted directly to the fellowships advisor (eustic1@stolaf.edu). The applicant should not see the letters.
    • Undergraduate transcript (the transcript may be unofficial)
    • Final essay of no more than three typed, double-spaced pages on one of the topics related to your primary research program interest. (See the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program Application Form for the specific topics that you must address.) The topics are intended to test skills in analysis, logic, and written expression.
    • If the project to which you are applying recommends certain levels of language proficiency or quantitative skills, you must submit evidence that demonstrates that you have the adequate level.

    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 gross salary of $3,083.33 per month ($37,000 per year).