#United States #New York #Mellon Foundation #ACLS #Leading Edge Fellowship

2026 Leading Edge Fellowship Competition

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) recently announced the launch of the 2026 Leading Edge Fellowship Competition, marking its eighth iteration of this pivotal program. This initiative, supported by the generous contributions from the Mellon Foundation, aims to connect recent PhD graduates in the humanities with vibrant nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to community service and social justice.

A New Opportunity for PhD Graduates

Scheduled to commence in 2026, the fellowship program will provide 14 two-year positions focused on facilitating impactful community engagement across various regions in the United States. Each fellow will leverage their advanced training and research skills gained during their PhD studies to address pressing community needs and further the mission of their host organizations.

This year’s cohort will engage with diverse nonprofits, such as the Presidents' Alliance on Immigration and Higher Education and Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta, among others. Each partnership highlights ACLS's commitment to fostering an environment where scholars can apply their knowledge in practical settings, promoting equity and justice in the process.

Fellowship Details

Applications for the Leading Edge Fellowships are currently being accepted, with a submission deadline of 9 PM EDT on March 11, 2026. Selected fellows will receive a minimum annual stipend of $70,000, which increases in the second year. In addition to financial support, fellows will benefit from health insurance, professional mentorship, access to peer networks, and funds for further professional development.

Roles that fellows may undertake include positions in advocacy, policy research, communications, and public engagement. This structure not only provides vital support to nonprofits but also nurtures the growth and skill enhancement of humanities scholars.

Building a Supportive Network

Beyond the immediate job placement, ACLS enriches the fellowship experience through various professional development initiatives. These include alumni mentorship and career coaching, designed to help fellows transition to successful careers following their fellowship. Moreover, by joining a robust community of PhD graduates from previous cohorts, the new fellows benefit from a wealth of shared experiences and resources.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Leading Edge Fellowship Competition, applicants must have been awarded their PhD in the humanities or interpretive social sciences between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2026. It is also crucial that all accepts are legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

The Legacy of ACLS

Established over a century ago, ACLS is a respected nonprofit federation comprising 81 scholarly societies. Renowned as a major advocate for American scholarship in the humanities, ACLS emphasizes the importance of knowledge as a public asset. Through its relentless quest for diversity in knowledge and representation, ACLS continues to forge strong partnerships that enrich academic and community relationships.

The Mellon Foundation, which plays a crucial role in funding the fellowship program, advocates for the arts and humanities as essential components of human experience, aiming to foster communities that reflect justice and empowerment while fostering critical thought and creativity.

Conclusion

The 2026 Leading Edge Fellowship presents a unique opportunity for newly minted PhDs to step out of traditional academic settings and into roles that facilitate significant community engagement and advocacy. This initiative not only highlights the dynamic nature of the humanities in addressing real-world issues but also affirms ACLS's commitment to nurturing the next wave of leaders in social equity and justice.

For more information on guidelines and application procedures, interested candidates are encouraged to visit the ACLS website.