Amherst Folger Humanities Fellowship Program Details

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The Amherst Folger Humanities Fellowship is designed to serve graduates looking to explore the broad range of roles within cultural institutions, libraries & archives, and museums & collections.

FELLOWSHIP ASSIGNMENTS

In consultation with the selected fellow, supervisors will determine project and research assignments that best support the fellow’s professional and intellectual goals, as well as the ongoing initiatives of their mentors at the Folger and Dumbarton Oaks. 

Assignments may include hands-on work in curation and exhibit preparation, research and publication, collection development or conservation, marketing and communication, or education and public outreach initiatives. The Fellow will split their nine month assignment equally between both institutions—spending two days per week at each site and devoting each Friday to research and professional development. The Amherst fellow will be part of a cohort that includes post-baccalaureate fellows from Harvard University.

TERM & COMPENSATION

The fellowship term runs from September 2026 through May 2027 and includes a $26,000 stipend, housing in Washington, D.C. at Dumbarton Oaks for the term of the fellowship, optional health insurance, and a research allowance of $1,000 to support attendance of a conference, exhibition, or to pursue coursework related to the fellow’s academic or professional interests.

Professional development opportunities will be offered to the fellow throughout their stay, connecting them with a wide range of humanities scholars, administrators, and practitioners in Washington, D.C.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to graduating seniors and recent graduates (December 2024–May 2026) who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible for OPT.

APPLICATION

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants will be required to submit the following via Handshake:

  • Résumé
  • Transcript (an unofficial transcript from the Registrar’s Office is acceptable)
  • Work sample
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation

All interested applicants are highly encouraged to review these Frequently Asked Questions.

Deadline to apply is Monday, December 8, 2025 at 11:59pm

QUESTIONS

Carla Costa, Program Director for Careers in Arts and Communication at the Loeb Center for Career Exploration & Planning can answer questions about the fellowship experience and provide support in developing application materials. Email ccosta@amherst.edu or book an appointment in Handshake to discuss your application.

All interested applicants are highly encouraged to review these Frequently Asked Questions.