The Humanity in Action Fellowship explores issues of democracy, pluralism, human rights, and social justice. Each program is tailored to its location. Fellows are challenged to understand their host city’s unique history of injustice, its present struggles to encompass groups with minoritized cultures and identities, and the future of its democratic values. For three weeks during the summer, Fellows engage with local experts and community members, visit museums and historical sites, and engage in constant discourse with one another and program leaders. Each program has a cohort of roughly 22 college students and recent graduates. Fellows come from many different backgrounds—academia, the arts, activism—but share common values. Humanity in Action Fellows are collaborative, passionate and open people, willing to examine and challenge their personal preconceptions and biases. 

For the next eleven months, Fellows work on their Action Project: an independent venture focused on promoting democratic values in their own communities.

National Deadline

Early January. Confirm exact date on the HIA website.

Institutional Nomination

This scholarship does not require institutional nomination. Candidates are encouraged to work with Fellowships Advising on their application. 

Eligibility Requirements and Selection Criteria 

To be eligible, you must: 

• Speak English fluently (all programs are conducted in English)
• Fit one of the below:

  • You are a current, full-time student in an accredited college or university located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, the Netherlands, Ukraine or the United States. 

  • You are a recent graduate of a college or university in any of the above mentioned countries. Recent graduates include those who graduated in the two years preceding the Fellowship. 

  • You grew up in or are a citizen* of any of the above-mentioned countries and study at university in any country of the world. 

HIA is looking for applicants who meet the following criteria as well: 

• Strong candidates are reflective and self-reflective, critical and self-critical. They demonstrate openness, humility, and a readiness to challenge their own preconceptions. 

• Successful candidates are willing to engage in difficult yet constructive and meaningful dialogue. They appreciate the complex interweaving of many identities and perspectives.