Shape A Just Future: Apply For The Beyond The Bars Fellowship 2025/2026 At Columbia University -

About the Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025/2026

The Beyond the Bars Fellowship is a transformative, interdisciplinary leadership program hosted by Columbia University’s Center for Justice. Designed for both students and community members, this fellowship empowers participants to take an active role in dismantling the systems of mass incarceration and criminalization.

Running during the 2025/2026 academic year, the program supports fellows in developing a deeper understanding of social justice, cultivating leadership and organizing skills, and fostering a network of changemakers focused on creating a safer and more equitable society.

Through in-person seminars, collaborative projects, and immersive training sessions, participants will explore themes of restorative, transformative, healing, and human justice, while gaining practical tools to implement real-world change.

Eligible Fields

The Beyond the Bars Fellowship is interdisciplinary, welcoming individuals from any academic or professional background. However, it places strong emphasis on those involved or interested in:

Social justice
Criminal legal system reform
Community organizing
Policy development and advocacy
Human rights and equity-focused initiatives

This diversity encourages a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, further strengthening the impact of the program.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to a wide range of applicants who demonstrate a passion for justice. You are eligible if you are:

A current graduate or undergraduate student from any academic discipline
A community member, especially if you have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system
Committed to ending mass incarceration and creating systemic change
Able to attend weekly in-person sessions at Columbia University in New York City

Note: No prior experience in justice reform is required. Passion, commitment, and openness to learning are the most important factors.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is designed to build a diverse and dynamic cohort. Applicants will be evaluated based on:

Their commitment to justice and equity
Willingness to learn and contribute to community change
Interest in leadership development and collaboration
Capacity to engage in deep dialogue and personal reflection

Selection Timeline:

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Group Interviews: Held from August 25 to September 5, 2025
Final Selection Notification: September 12, 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Eligible Countries

The Beyond the Bars Fellowship welcomes applications from local and international candidates. However, participants must be able to physically attend in-person sessions in New York City throughout the fellowship year.

Required Documents

Applicants are typically asked to submit:

A completed online application form
Short essay or narrative responses reflecting on personal background, interest in justice, and goals for the program
Availability for in-person participation

There is no application fee, and no recommendation letters are required.

Benefits of the Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025/2026

Fellows will receive a comprehensive experience that includes:

Weekly leadership development seminars, led by justice scholars, organizers, and activists
Workshops and guest lectures with professionals and formerly incarcerated leaders
Hands-on training in organizing, advocacy, and public speaking
A collaborative project with a justice-focused organization or initiative
A final team presentation, allowing fellows to apply their knowledge and make a visible impact
A lifelong network of peers and mentors in the justice and human rights movement

This is not just a fellowship—it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and action for those committed to challenging injustice.

How to Apply

To apply for the Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025/2026:

Complete the online application form by August 15, 2025
Prepare your written responses as part of the application
Be available for group interviews, which take place between August 25 and September 5, 2025
Await final selection decisions, which will be announced by September 12, 2025

Final Thoughts

If you are committed to creating lasting social change and want to be part of a powerful movement for justice, the Beyond the Bars Fellowship at Columbia University offers the training, support, and platform to help you succeed. Join a diverse community of learners and leaders working toward a world beyond bars.