About

Applications are now open for the Echidna Global Scholars Program 2021. The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a visiting fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution. The program aims to build the research and analytical skills of NGO leaders and academics who have substantial experience and ties to developing countries.

Echidna Scholars spend four to six months at Brookings pursuing research on global education issues, with a specific focus on improving learning opportunities and outcomes for girls in the developing world. Upon completion of their fellowship, CUE supports the scholars in implementing an action plan that applies their new skills and expertise in the developing country where they have demonstrated substantial ties.

Looking for similar opportunities, join Opportunity Cell on WhatsApp or Telegram here.

Benefits

Applicants selected for the fellowship will receive a living stipend of USD $5,000 a month while in D.C. (subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting), paid single-occupancy housing for the four-and-a-half-month term, round-trip travel expenses, and a limited health insurance plan.

Qualifications

  1. Applicants should have a background in education, development, economics, or a related area, with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in either research/academia; non-government and civil society; government; or business.
  2. Master’s degree required; Ph.D. or research background strongly preferred.
  3. Strong analytical and writing skills.
  4. Successful applicants will have an intimate understanding of education development issues and gender.
  5. Applicants who have not worked explicitly on girls’ education previously are welcome to apply but should include an explanation of how this focus on girls’ education can be integrated successfully into their current and future work.

Echidna Global Scholars’ research topics must be focused on education priorities for girls, as they are relevant in their specific contexts. This can include “second generation” priorities, like:

  1. Ensuring that girls can attend and complete primary and secondary school;
  2. Making schools safer and more secure;
  3. Improving the quality of learning for girls;
  4. Supporting girls’ transition to higher education and employment; and
  5. Cultivating local country leaders to champion this work at the grassroots level.

Topics may also include the intergenerational effects of girls’ education, innovations in early childhood that are relevant for girls’ education, girls’ education in conflict settings, or quality education for indigenous and/or minority girls. Echidna Global Scholars are also encouraged to include areas of research focused on girls’ skills development. Other girls’ education issues lacking evidence are also welcome.

Looking for similar opportunities, join Opportunity Cell on WhatsApp or Telegram here.

How to Apply?

  • Submit a cover letter that explains your goals and intentions for the program, along with your curriculum vitae or resume which will include a list of your publications, and fellowships, honors, awards, funded research, or foundation support that you have received. Please attach curriculum vitae or resume and cover letter as one document when you apply, as instructed.
  • When prompted, attach answers to the Questionnaire. Click here to access the document.
  • When prompted, attach Research Project Proposal. Click here to access the document.
  • Documents must be saved with a format of the Last Name, First Name, and document name (for example Doe_Jane_CV). Note that letters of recommendation, writing samples, and transcripts are NOT required. Please upload the Questionnaire and Research Project Proposal in the Writing Sample section.
  • For Official Notification, Click Here
  • Last date to apply is February 19, 2021.
Management, Scholarships, Science, Social Sciences