Thanks to the generous support of the Mellon Foundation, we are offering a new summer, paid internship program for undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students will be funded for a 6-week long project at 35 hours a week. Graduate students will be funded for an 8-week long project at 20 hours a week. The purpose of this internship program is to provide support to community organizations on humanistic and environmental projects related to the themes of the Mellon grant. Interns will retain the title of “Public Fellows” from the time of the award until the end of their service project in summer 2026. Up to 2 undergraduate- and 2 graduate-level Public Fellows will be selected. Applicants are normally notified of award decisions within one month following the application deadline.

ELIGIBILITY: The internship is open to current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Texas A&M University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

STIPENDS: Undergraduate Public Fellows will receive a $4,975 stipend ($23/hr, 35 hours per week for 6 weeks). Graduate Public Fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend over the course of 8wks (20 hrs/wk).

INTERNSHIP EXPECTATIONS: The primary outcome of each project will be detailed in the project description page as dictated by the hosting community partner. Interns should acknowledge the Race & Ethnic Studies Institute and the “Public Fellows Internship” in any resulting publications, presentations, or other work products funded; and will be asked to submit updates on their progress and products.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION: Reviewers will consider the following:

1. Related scholarly experience
2. Related professional experience
3. Disciplinary training
4. Connection to professional goals

MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION:

Along with your completed application form, you must submit the following:

TIMELINE FOR PUBLIC FELLOWS INTERNSHIP:

Below are milestone dates for your consideration in applying.

• January 26, 2026 – Application period opens
• January 28, 2026 – Informational Session #1
• February 18, 2026 – Informational Session #2
• March 6, 2026 – Application period closes
• Mid to late March, 2026 – Selected applicants invited to interview
• Mid-April 2026 – Public Fellows are notified of selection
• Mid-May 2026 – Public Fellows orientation meeting
• May 25-July 3, 2026 – Length of undergraduate Public Fellow projects
• May 25-July 17, 2026 – Length of graduate Public Fellow projects