Echidna Global Scholars Program (Fully-Funded & Stipend)
By Janet
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a fully-funded program set aside for local individuals in the Global South to strengthen their capacity to advance gender equality in and through education. Selected applicants are expected to be professionals with solid experience in and ties to the Global South, intending to return to the Global South after they have completed the program at Brookings Institution in Washington, DC.
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE), within the Global Economy and Development program at the institution. The program is a six-month Fellowship whereby Scholars would conduct individual research that would focus on improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for young women, girls, and gender non-conforming people. They would also develop their leadership and evidence-based policy skills, build substantive knowledge on gender and global education issues, and expand their pathways for impact.
After the scholars have completed the fellowship, they become part of the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network which is a growing community of practice aimed at promoting their significant, sustained, and collective influence on gender-transformative education locally, regionally, and globally.
More details about the Fellowship below:
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is structured into two phases:
- Pre-residency: This phase lays the foundation for the program’s research training; leadership development, and impact components. During this stage, scholars engage in intensive in-country data collection and analysis, supported by CUE fellows. They also participate in virtual workshops, group working meetings, and one-on-one advisory sessions. Scholars are introduced to the leadership tools and concepts that will be emphasized throughout the Fellowship and begin developing an impact strategy by identifying and engaging local stakeholders. The time commitment for this phase is approximately 15-20 hours per week.
- Residency: The residency phase takes place in Washington, DC, and focuses on expanding the scholars’ impact through publishing and disseminating their research on Brookings multimedia platforms. It also includes capacity-building in strategic impact, leadership development, and networking. The residency aims to enhance scholars’ skills in analyzing, communicating, and applying research in policy contexts for target audiences. It culminates in the Gender Equality in and through Education Research and Policy Symposium and seeks to expand scholars’ networks and visibility through Brookings events and collaborations.
Eligibility
Education and Experience: The program seeks professionals with significant experience and strong ties to the Global South, a commitment to returning after the residency, and a passion for improving education and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming individuals. Applicants should have a background in education, gender and/or women’s studies, international development, public policy, economics, or a related social science or humanities field, with at least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, non-governmental organizations, community organizations, civil society, or government. Candidates with experience in both academic or governmental settings and community organizations are encouraged to apply. A Master’s degree is required.
Knowledge and Skills: Successful candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of education, development, and gender issues, along with strong analytical and writing skills. They should have the ability to collaborate with others, give and receive constructive feedback, and learn quickly and adaptively. Proficiency in English is required.
The Fellowship is a full-time commitment during the residency (roughly 40 hours per week) and a substantial part-time commitment during the pre-residency (about 15-20 hours per week).
Fellowship Expectations
- Conduct in-depth research, produce an evidence-based policy paper, and present findings and recommendations at Brookings-organized events.
- Participate in leadership development activities and engage in capacity building, both individually and as part of a group.
- Develop a post-residency project proposal aimed at expanding the impact of their research upon returning to their home country.
- Actively engage in Brookings events and meetings, and network with key stakeholders from the education, gender, and international development communities in Washington, DC, and globally.
Focus Areas for 2025
The program is open to leaders in gender equality in and through education from the Global South. For 2025, special consideration will be given to applicants focusing on the following regions: West Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa.
Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a stipend totaling $25,000 USD to cover living expenses during the pre-residency and residency periods (subject to U.S. tax withholding). Additionally, the program covers visa processing fees, single-occupancy housing for the 4-month residency, round-trip travel expenses, and limited health insurance. Scholars must commit fully to pre-residency activities (15-20 hours per week) and be available for full-time, on-site participation in the residency.
Application Process
To apply, submit your materials through the iCIMS application system. Required materials include:
- A CV or resume detailing education, professional experience, publications, and any fellowships, honors, awards, or funded research.
- The completed Echidna Global Scholars Program application, which includes a written questionnaire and research proposal. Save documents in the format: Last Name_First Name_document name (e.g., Doe_Jane_CV).
Note: Letters of recommendation, writing samples, and transcripts are not required.
Timeline
- Application deadline: December 15, 2024
- Interviews: January and February 2025
- Selection notification: March 15, 2025
- Acceptance deadline: March 29, 2025
- Fellowship start date: June 15, 2025
For more information, visit the official webpage of the Echidna Global Scholars Program.
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