Mellon/ACLS Public Scholars Program

Mellon/ACLS Public Scholars Program is a prestigious program that aims to support scholars in the humanities and social sciences in their pursuit of careers beyond the academy, such as in think tanks, museums, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The program is a collaborative effort between the American Council of Learned Societies and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with the goal of promoting the public humanities and social sciences. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support scholars in their transition to careers outside of academia, as seen in programs such as the National Endowment for the Humanities' Public Scholar Program and the Social Science Research Council's Abe Fellowship. The program's focus on public engagement and community outreach is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the National Humanities Alliance and the American Historical Association.

Introduction

The Mellon/ACLS Public Scholars Program is designed to support scholars who are interested in pursuing careers that apply their research and expertise to real-world problems, such as climate change, social inequality, and cultural heritage preservation. This program is part of a growing trend of initiatives that aim to promote the public value of humanities research, such as the Humanities Without Walls consortium and the Imagining America initiative. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Scholars who participate in the program will have the opportunity to work with organizations such as the Brookings Institution, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the World Bank, and to engage with scholars and practitioners from a range of fields, including anthropology, sociology, and history.

Program Overview

The program provides funding and support for scholars to pursue careers in the public sphere, such as in policy analysis, program evaluation, and public programming. The program is designed to support scholars who are interested in applying their research and expertise to real-world problems, such as urban planning, public health, and environmental policy. The program's focus on public engagement and community outreach is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Academy of Sciences. Scholars who participate in the program will have the opportunity to work with organizations such as the RAND Corporation, the Urban Institute, and the Center for American Progress, and to engage with scholars and practitioners from a range of fields, including economics, political science, and philosophy.

Eligibility and Application

The program is open to scholars who have received their Ph.D. in the humanities or social sciences within the past five years, such as Harvard University and University of California, Berkeley graduates. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of research and teaching, as well as a commitment to pursuing a career in the public sphere, such as in journalism, advocacy, or public policy. The application process typically involves submitting a proposal, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation, as well as participating in an interview with a panel of reviewers, including representatives from organizations such as the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. The program's emphasis on diversity and inclusion is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the American Association of University Women and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

Fellowship Details

The program provides a two-year fellowship, which includes a stipend of $70,000 per year, as well as additional funding for research and travel, such as to attend conferences at University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in a series of professional development workshops and seminars, such as those offered by the American Council of Learned Societies and the Social Science Research Council. The program's focus on mentoring and career development is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine. Fellows will be expected to work full-time at a host organization, such as the Library of Congress or the National Archives and Records Administration, and to produce a range of outputs, including policy briefs, research reports, and public programs, in collaboration with organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Impact and Outcomes

The program has a strong track record of supporting scholars who have gone on to pursue successful careers in the public sphere, such as Sarah Kendzior, Glenn Greenwald, and Naomi Klein. Alumni of the program have gone on to work at organizations such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the BBC, and have produced a range of outputs, including books, articles, and documentaries, on topics such as national security, environmental policy, and social justice. The program's emphasis on public engagement and community outreach is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the Public Broadcasting Service and the National Public Radio. The program's focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

History and Funding

The program was established in 2015, with funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies. The program is part of a broader effort to support scholars in their transition to careers outside of academia, as seen in programs such as the National Endowment for the Humanities' Public Scholar Program and the Social Science Research Council's Abe Fellowship. The program's emphasis on public engagement and community outreach is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the National Humanities Alliance and the American Historical Association. The program has received additional funding from organizations such as the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, and has partnered with organizations such as the Brookings Institution and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to support the work of its fellows. The program's focus on diversity and inclusion is also reflected in the work of organizations such as the American Association of University Women and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. Category:Academic programs