About the Meiklejohn Fellows Program
The Meiklejohn Fellows Program is committed to fostering equitable opportunities for postgraduate success among Amherst College students. The Program provides first-year FLI (first generation and/or low-income) students at Amherst College with a comprehensive year-long initiative designed to deepen their understanding of personal career interests and the pathways to pursue them specifically through summer experiential learning opportunities. Students who complete fellowship requirements can access a guaranteed stipend (up to $5000) to offset costs while completing an unpaid summer internship. Participants benefit from dedicated career advising, mentorship within the FLI community, tailored programming, and robust summer internship support.
Why Join Meiklejohn Fellows Program
- Community Building: Forge a supportive network by sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow FLI students.
- Career Exploration: Gain insights into industries and fields that align with your genuine interests and career aspirations.
- Internship Guidance: Benefit from specialized workshops and advising sessions designed to streamline your internship search process.
- Financial Support: Upon fulfilling program requirements, you are guaranteed a summer internship stipend of up to $5,000 for a qualifying unpaid or low-paid internship during your first or second summer at Amherst.
How to Join the Meiklejohn Fellows Program
The Meiklejohn Fellows Program Application will open early September and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 18, 2026.
To apply, you must be:
- A first-generation and/or low-income student and
- An incoming student in the Class of 2030 or
- An incoming transfer student in the Class of 2029 or
- A returning student in the Class of 2029 who did not join last year
Student eligibility is determined by the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. Our office will notify all eligible students inviting them to the Program along with application instructions. All eligible students who thoughtfully complete an application are admitted to the program. Please reach out to internships@amherst.edu if you have questions about your eligibility.
Qualifying for An Internship Stipend
To qualify for a stipend of up to $5,000 from the Meiklejohn Fellows Program, students must meet the following requirements and secure an internship that fits the funding criteria during their first or second summer at the college.
- Requirement #1: Complete the Meiklejohn Fellows Program Application by October 18, 2026.
- Requirement #2: Attend the Meiklejohn Fellows Orientation, November 12, 2026 from 5:00-6:30 PM
- Requirement #3: Attend at least ONE Loeb Center workshop
- We recommend attending a Meiklejohn Fellows workshop, but any Loeb Center-hosted workshop qualifies. Note that an employer information session or Loeb Center event (ie Job and Internship Fair or Internship Mixer) do not qualify. Questions? Email Justin Goot at jgoot@amherst.edu
- Optional but highly encouraged: Meet 1-1 with your Meiklejohn Fellows Advisor, Justin Goot
*Note: We will also have a Spring semester application window available for students wishing to apply later in the school year. Spring applications will open in January and close in February.