This fellowship is for students who want to become advocates, organizers, and policy leaders in movements for the universal rights of people worldwide.
International Human Rights Fellowship
In recent months, human rights violations have dominated news headlines – from the ongoing conflicts between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, to the wars in Ukraine, Sudan, and Congo. Moreover, across scores of countries, the rights of women and girls, refugees and migrants, journalists, and other vulnerable groups have been suppressed. Many governments still fall short of providing clean and safe environments and access to healthcare.
In response to these global injustices, the Colin Powell School launched an International Human Rights Fellowship that trains students to become organizers, advocates, and policy leaders in the movements for the universal rights of people worldwide.
The fellowship is directed by Gouri Sadhwani, a leader in the human rights, philanthropic, and social justice sectors. During her time as Deputy Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, she led human rights campaigns and activism for over 500,000 activists and over 2,000 local and student groups across the U.S.
$1K
Stipend
1
Year Program
Paid Summer Internship Required
Mentoring Support
Application Details
Application Process
- Read the fellowship description and ensure that you meet all the requirements.
- Complete and submit the application, including your responses to the essay questions, your resume, and your transcript.
Application Materials
Please upload responses to the following questions through the application form. Write your name on all application materials.
- Personal Statement: Tell us about yourself. What factors have shaped who you are today and what you want to do in the future? Upload an essay that is between 250 and 500 words.
- How do your educational and professional experiences so far shape your long-term interest in working at a senior level on international human rights? Upload an essay that is between 250 and 500 words.
- List 3 organizations that you would like to apply to for your summer internship.
Program Details
- MUST be a full-time undergraduate student at CCNY for the duration of the fellowship
- MUST have an interest in International Human Rights, although no prior experience is required.
- MUST commit to a REQUIRED Summer Internship.
- can be from ANY SCHOOL/MAJOR at CCNY.
- No GPA or citizenship requirement
- Preference will be given to students minoring in Human Rights Studies.
Fellows will receive a stipend of $5,500 for 300 internship hours based on a work schedule determined between the student and host organization. Internships are flexible, so you can work fewer hours if that’s what your schedule permits. Fellows will get one-on-one mentoring and professional development support from the program director.
Accepted fellows will be connected to partner organizations based on their areas of interest and skills. We encourage fellows to use this opportunity to pursue internships that align with their career goals.
Fellows will be required to attend monthly meetings each semester that introduce them to guest speakers and organizations working within the international human rights movement. In addition, they should attend meetings organized for Colin Powell School fellows and other relevant events.
Contact Us
Have any questions?
We’re here to assist! Whether you’re a student, alumni, or part of the community, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Student Success for more information or support.
Office of Student Success
North Academic Center, Rooms 6/270 to 6/288
160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
p. 212.650.8663
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am -5.00pm
📍Campus Map
NAC 6/288
Christine Garmendiz
212-650-8593
Debbie Cheng
FAQS
Yes! The International Human Rights Fellowship is open to all full-time undergraduate students at CCNY, regardless of major, GPA, or citizenship status.
Fellows receive a $5,500 stipend for a qualifying summer internship. You’ll be part of a cohort of like-minded students from across CUNY, who you’ll get to know well over the course of the fellowship. You’ll also meet guest speakers working on the issues that you care about, giving you insight into this work and professional contacts. It’s great to list fellowships on your resume, since they indicate that you went above and beyond in college.
The International Human Rights Fellowship meets monthly during club hours.
Applications usually open starting January and the deadline to apply is in February.
Get started on your application early – don’t put this off until the last minute! Use as much space as allotted for your essay responses, since this will enable the readers to learn more about you and your interests. Ask a friend or family member to provide feedback on your essays and help you improve them. Talk to previous or current fellows about their experiences so that you have a better understanding of the program as you’re applying.
No. Please only apply to one fellowship per cycle.
If you’re a Colin Powell School major, check out our Paid Internships Program. While not a fellowship, you can get valuable internship experience in the field of your choice.
