PRRI Public Fellows Program: A Path to Public Scholarship

The PRRI Public Fellows Program offers a unique 11-month opportunity for mid-career scholars to translate their academic research into impactful public commentary and analysis. This non-residential fellowship, running from 2026 to 2027, is designed to help researchers hone their skills in reaching broader audiences, particularly at the intersection of religion, culture, and politics. If you are an academic looking to expand the reach of your work beyond traditional scholarly circles, this program provides the structure, support, and resources to achieve that goal.

Program Overview and Goals

Established in 2017, the PRRI Public Fellows Program aims to bridge the gap between academic research and public understanding. It supports scholars in developing their ability to communicate complex ideas to a wider audience, generating commentary and analysis that can inform public discourse. The program specifically seeks to foster public scholarship in three key areas that align with PRRI’s research focus: Pluralism and Democracy, Immigration and American Society, and LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics. By bringing together a diverse cohort of nine scholars, PRRI encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.

Benefits for Public Fellows

Participants in the 2026-2027 PRRI Public Fellows cohort will receive a comprehensive package of benefits designed to support their professional development and public engagement efforts. This includes an 11-month fellowship with a cohort of peers, a stipend of $5,000, and course release funds of up to $10,000 for the Spring 2027 semester. Fellows also gain access to annual microgrants, potentially up to $10,000, for new scholarly projects within the cohort.

The program includes regular virtual monthly meetings and quarterly training workshops. A significant component is an in-person convening in Washington, D.C., during Spring 2027, with PRRI covering all travel expenses. During this convening, fellows will have the chance to meet with writers from major media outlets, receive media training, and engage with experts on writing for various public platforms. Additionally, fellows will receive advance access to PRRI data and archives, and will collaborate with PRRI’s research and communications teams. For those with qualitative or humanities backgrounds, PRRI offers specific training and support to connect their expertise with public-opinion survey research.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the PRRI Public Fellows Program, candidates must meet specific academic and professional criteria. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or a comparable terminal degree and maintain a formal affiliation with an accredited college, university, seminary, or research institute within the United States. A key requirement is that the terminal degree must have been earned between three and twelve years prior to the application date.

Demonstrable academic expertise in at least one of PRRI’s core research areas—Pluralism and Democracy, Immigration and American Society, or LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics—is essential. Furthermore, all fellows must be authorized to work in the United States. These criteria ensure that the program attracts experienced scholars who are well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from the fellowship’s focus on public scholarship.

Application Process

The application for the PRRI Public Fellows Program requires several components to assess a candidate’s suitability and potential for public scholarship. Applicants must submit a statement of interest, no longer than 800 words, detailing their motivation for pursuing the fellowship and their professional development objectives in public scholarship. A current curriculum vitae is also required, providing a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s academic and professional background.

In addition to these documents, applicants need to provide three work samples. These should be links to and PDF copies of articles, op-eds, or blog posts published within the last three years, ideally in publications or on platforms aimed at a general audience. These samples serve as evidence of the applicant’s best recent work and their ability to communicate effectively to non-academic readers.

Conclusion

The PRRI Public Fellows Program offers a valuable opportunity for academics to expand their influence and engage with a wider audience. By providing financial support, training, and direct engagement with media professionals and research data, the program empowers scholars to translate their expertise into meaningful public discourse. For those who meet the eligibility requirements and are eager to contribute to public understanding of critical social issues, this fellowship represents a significant step in developing a career in public scholarship.