Columbia’s Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025–2026 Now Accepting Applications

Apply Now: Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025–2026 at Columbia Center for Justice

The Beyond the Bars Fellowship is an eight-month, certificate-based leadership program offered by the Center for Justice at Columbia University. It connects students, formerly incarcerated individuals, and community activists to deepen their understanding of mass incarceration and develop advocacy skills through:

• Weekly seminars and workshops

• Engagement with advocacy and justice models (restorative, transformative, legislative)

• Creation of Solidarity Team Projects with community partners

• A $1,000 honorarium awarded to eligible Fellows

Program Timeline & Activities

Sessions are held at Columbia’s School of Social Work in NYC and involve a blend of theory, practice, and community partnership

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship welcomes applicants who are:

• Columbia students (undergraduate or graduate) with at least half-time enrollment

• Community members, including those formerly incarcerated

• Officials, volunteers, or activists working in justice-related fields

• Individuals from any academic discipline with a passion for ending mass incarceration

No prior experience is required—just a commitment to justice reform, collaboration, and weekly participation.

Key Benefits of the Fellowship

1. Robust Leadership Development
   Fellows will have opportunity to deepen self-awareness and increase leadership capacity through workshops, solidarity team projects, and expert facilitation

2. Hands-On Organizing Experience
   There will be Cohort-based projects in partnership with organizations like RAPP, H.O.L.L.A, and Black Alliance for Just Immigration

3. Building Community & Mentorship
   A diverse community of Fellows fosters nurturing bonds and lifelong support

4. Helpful Honorarium
   Eligible participants receive $1,000 to recognize their contributions

Real Stories: Fellowship Impact

• Miguel Beltrán (2023–24 Fellow)
  A Sociology graduate student, Miguel deepened his activist toolkit through solidarity projects and leveraged his experience into leadership roles post-fellowship

• Kristi & Melissa (2016–17 Alumni)
  Their shared personal experiences sparked a profound bond during the fellowship—illustrating its power to create lasting personal and professional connections

How to Apply

1. Provided resume/CV shoud fcous detailing on justice-related work or lived experience.

2. Answer short essay questions focusing on identity, advocacy philosophy, and commitment to change in the society.

3. Applications must be submit by August 15, 2025—late or incomplete applications won’t be considered

4. Submit by August 15, 2025—late or incomplete applications won’t be considered

5. Be prepared for group discussions/interviews between August 25–September 5

Application Tips

• Be authentic: Share how incarceration affects you or your community. Your lived experience matters.

• Highlight collaboration: Emphasize your past work epereince or roles in group-led advocacy or organizing to achieve collective objectives.

• Explain your vision: Clearly articulate how you wish to sustain change beyond the fellowship and what could be the taken steps to achieve it.

• Demonstrate clarity: Show your understanding of restorative, healing, or transformative justice approaches.

FAQs

Q1: Who can apply—a student, community member, or formerly incarcerated individual?
Yes! The fellowship welcomes Columbia students, community activists, and people directly impacted by incarceration

Q2: Is there a stipend or funding?
Yes: eligible Fellows receive a $1,000 honorarium by the end of the program

Q3: What time commitment is required?
Fellows have to meet weekly in person from October through May (~8 months). Consistent attendance is essential

Q4: Are there any eligibility restrictions?
Applicants must be based in the greater NYC area due to in-person meetings. No prior experience required; enrollments can be part-time (students must be half-time)

Internal Linking Suggestions

• University of Auckland Scholarship 2025 for Social Inequality Research

• Monash University Graduate Research Scholarships 2025

• Mel Fellowship 2025 – $10,000 Grant for Maryland Natural Resources Students

Final Takeaway & Call to Action

The Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025–2026 offers a rich platform for leadership growth, justice advocacy, and deep community organizing. This opportunity is benificial for a student, formerly incarcerated, or a justice advocate, this program equips you with the skills, connections, and honorarium to amplify your impact.

Apply by August 15, 2025 to join this dynamic, justice-driven cohort in New York City.

Apply here: Center for Justice | Columbia University