The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of International Affairs. Approximately 15 students are hired annually to work as full-time employees at Carnegie in Washington, D.C. for 10-12 months.
Gaither Junior Fellows provide research assistance to scholars working within Carnegie’s programs, including opportunities to conduct research, contribute to op-eds, papers, reports, and books, edit documents, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony, and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists, and government officials.
Deadline: November (Internal); January (External)
Value: $45,000 and a full benefits package
Eligibility: Graduating seniors or graduates who have not begun graduate studies. U.S. citizenship and Non-U.S. citizenship if attending a U.S. university
Major: Democracy; International Economics; Nuclear Policy; Energy and Climate; Middle East Studies; South Asian Studies; South East Asia Studies; Asian Studies; Russia/Eurasian Studies
Fellowship Type: Undergraduate, Alumni, International Students
Nomination: Yes; Please contact the Office of National Fellowships.
Website: Gaither Junior Fellows Program
Gaither Junior Fellows Program Application Deadlines
- Internal Deadline: November 13, 2026
- National Deadline: January 15, 2027
Gaither Recommended Steps and Timeline
- October 15: Send draft of resume to Office of National Fellowships and share intent to apply. Request access to application materials.
- November 13, 2026: INTERNAL DEADLINE
- Applicants must send a copy of resume, personal statement, writing sample, and unofficial transcript to Office of National Fellowships (national.fellowships@unh.edu) to be considered for nomination.
- December 4: Nominees will be notified and are expected to (1) Meet with Leigh to identify recommenders and then request letters of recommendation. (2) Complete the nomination agreement form.
- December - Early January: Nominees should continue to work on materials.
- By January 5, 2027: (1) Complete and submit your FERPA form to national.fellowships@unh.edu to request your UNH transcripts
- January 12, 2027: APPLICATIONS DUE!
- Applications must be received by Leigh Pratt at national.fellowships@unh.edu on this date, ahead of the National Application Deadline.
- January 15, 2027: NATIONAL DEADLINE
- Late-February to Early-March: Selected applicants are interviewed.
- End of March: James C. Gaither Junior Fellow selections made and candidates notified.
