The Center for Universal Education at Brookings seeks to help build expertise on girls’ education policies and programs in developing countries. This program is designed to offer guest scholars from developing countries the opportunity to pursue their own independent research on global education issues with a specific focus on girls’ education. Guest scholars will also be supported to develop and implement a plan to share their expertise with their home institution to further build research capacity and expertise.
About the Center for Universal Education: As part of the Global Economy and Development Program at the Brookings Institution, the Center for Universal Education (CUE) develops and disseminates effective solutions to the challenges of achieving universal quality education worldwide. It offers a forum for research, high-level dialogue, and public debate on a range of issues relevant to education in the developing world. In an effort to translate our recent report, A Global Compact on Learning, from commitment into action, we are committed to helping build the knowledge base of what is needed to improve learning opportunities and outcomes for girls and boys in developing countries, especially those most marginalized and hardest to reach.
Global Scholars Program: The Global Scholars Program fits within the broader “Global Compact on Learning” work-stream by aligning the research plans of the guest scholars with a collaborative research agenda. During their 6-month residency at Brookings, guest scholars will work with Center staff on developing their specific research project, while also participating in a set of short workshops on different topics led by experts in the field. Guest scholars will draw on the resources of Brookings scholars as well as the extended public policy community in Washington, D.C., through participating in additional meetings and conferences and networking with the broader development community. Note: U.S.-based individuals and organizations who are interested in learning more about the program for local engagement opportunities are encouraged to contact the Center at [email protected]
Applicant Requirements: Applicants should have a background in education, development, economics, or a related area; with at least 7 years of professional experience in either research/academia, non-government and civil society, government, or business. Successful applicants will have an intimate understanding of education development issues and/or issues related to development and gender. Applicants who have not worked explicitly on girls’ education previously are welcome but should include an explanation of how this focus on girls’ education can be integrated successfully into their current and future work. Guest scholars will be expected to work on an extensive cutting-edge research paper and a project proposal with the intent to implement their research in their home country upon completion of the program. Additional expectations of scholars include interacting with other Brookings scholars and the wider policy community, and a demonstrated ability to conduct professional, in-depth research and to deliver spoken presentations in English. Applicants selected for the fellowship will receive a living stipend of $5,000 a month, paid housing for the 6-month term, and round-trip travel expenses.
Program Requirements: Guest scholars must be available for a full-time affiliation with Brookings for the entire 6-month residency component of the program (either January–July 2012 or July–December 2012). Guest scholars are required to research and write a working paper (between 6,000 and 10,000 words) on an approved topic. Papers are due in final form at the end of the 6-month program; guest scholars may have the opportunity to present their papers at a Brookings seminar or event. Each guest scholar is expected to be an active participant in Brookings and CUE activities, including but not limited to, regularly organized organizational staff meetings, informal discussions, seminars, presentations, and other CUE and Brookings events.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Application questionnaire – download here in Word format or PDF format
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- A writing sample with references/citations
- Two letters of recommendation from professional references (letters should be mailed/emailed directly from references)
Application Deadlines
Applicants interested in being considered for either Group 1 (January–July 2012) or Group 2 (July–December 2012)
Term: mid-January 2012 – early July 2012
Application deadline: August 31, 2011
Selected for interviews: September 15, 2011
Results Announced: September 27, 2011
Applicants interested in being considered only for Group 2 (July–December 2012)
Term: early July 2012 – mid-December 2012
Application deadline: August 31, 2011
Selected for interviews: October 5, 2011
Results Announced: October 25, 2011
Submitting Your Application
Applications should be signed and dated by applicant, and submitted via email to [email protected] by August 31, 2011. Alternatively, applications may be mailed to:
Center for Universal Education
The Brookings Institution
1775 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036
All questions or inquiries from applicants or organizations should be sent via email to [email protected]
