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ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has recently unveiled its initiative for the 2027 Graduate Internships focused on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future. Backed by the Templeton Religion Trust, this program aims to provide enriching professional experiences for PhD students specializing in humanities and social sciences, particularly those whose dissertations delve into religious studies. Through this unique opportunity, the ACLS seeks to develop a new generation of leaders well-acquainted with the evolving landscape of religion in America.

Overview of the Program

The 2027 program invites emerging scholars to engage in a nine-week, full-time internship over the summer. These internships are designed not just for academic growth but also for practical application of research skills, bridging the gap between academia and real-world community interactions. Participants will work closely with leading nonprofit organizations that operate at the intersection of religion and social change, allowing them to witness firsthand how their contributions can make a significant impact.

Internships will take place at various organizations, including the American Friends Service Committee, the Coalition for Spiritual Public Leadership, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Minnesota (CAIR-MN), amongst others. All ten host organizations from the previous year are returning, exemplifying the trust and success of the program.

Benefits for Participants

Fellows will receive generous stipends—$14,250 for remote positions and $15,500 for onsite internships—coupled with relocation assistance when necessary. Not only will they gain invaluable experience, but they will also participate in a cohort-based programming structure the following year, which includes a mix of in-person and virtual workshops tailored toward career preparation. This dual focus on hands-on experience and professional development aims to equip scholars with necessary competencies for future career paths both within and outside academia.

The program stands out as it aligns scholarly talent with community needs, reinforcing the growing acknowledgment of the critical role of religion and community in societal frameworks. As such, participating PhD candidates will enrich their host organizations with their scholarly insights while enhancing their own professional skills in writing, project management, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving.

Application Process and Eligibility

Applications for the internships are open until January 13, 2027, at 5:00 PM EDT. Interested candidates must be current PhD students enrolled in a relevant humanities or social science department at any accredited university in the United States. Detailed guidelines regarding eligibility, the application process, and selection criteria are available through the ACLS website.

Successful candidates will experience a transformative summer filled with learning and networking opportunities, culminating in a seminar with fellow interns in August 2027. Also, they will have the chance to engage in virtual programming throughout the 2027-2028 academic year, continuing their professional development in a collaborative environment.

In support of this initiative, the ACLS continues to advocate for the significance of humanities scholarship in understanding today's complex world. Founded over a century ago, the ACLS comprises a federation of 87 scholarly organizations dedicated to enhancing the public good through knowledge and research, fostering inclusivity and diversity in academic narratives.

As we approach the 2027 Summer internship season, the ACLS remains devoted to transforming the academic landscape, one internship at a time, by building a supportive pipeline of future leaders poised to influence the spiritual infrastructure of the future in meaningful ways.

For those passionate about combining the study of religion with community engagement, this internship is a remarkable chance to make a lasting difference while advancing their academic careers.