If you're a recent PhD in the humanities looking to change directions out of academia or take a break and do some useful work, there's good news. Another round of two-year fellowships has opened up that aims to take those with degrees in sociology, literature, political science, geography, history, and similar fields and place them with social justice-oriented nonprofits around the United States.
Since 2019, ACLS has run the program to place those who have recently earned their PhD in a humanities field in a two-year role with a social justice-focused organization to contribute their expertise and offer exposure to the nonprofit world. There's a good mixture of opportunities to do a variety of work. Among them is a a chance to join ILSR as a Food Systems and Grocery Policy Researcher.
More details from the website:
- Stipend: For remote positions, $70,000 in year one, and $72,000 in year two; for in-person positions, $72,000 in year one, and $74,000 in year two. All fellows will have access to health insurance and professional development funding.
- Relocation: Up to $5,000 in relocation funds for fellows who relocate for in-person positions.
- Tenure: 24 months beginning in September 2026.
- Applications will be accepted only through the ACLS Online Fellowship Application system. Please do not contact any of the organizations directly.
- Application deadline: March 11, 2026, 9:00 PM EDT.
Applicants must have a PhD that will have been formally conferred by their university between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2026.
See the full set of rules and guidelines at the ACLS Leading Edge Fellow Program website.
