John Jay Fellowship
The John Jay Institute Fellowship Program is designed to develop leaders for positions of public influence both in society and the church. College graduates with academic interests in theology, society, politics, and law are invited to apply. The program is especially suited for career aspirants in the fields of religion, law, public and international affairs, issue advocacy, social service, journalism, and education.
Program Description
The John Jay Institute believes that leaders are made, not born. Consequently, its Fellowship Program is designed to inspire men and women with a Christian vision for society and to equip them with the spiritual, intellectual, and professional disciplines necessary for effective faith-informed public service. The Fellowship begins with an intensive semester-long academic residency at the Institute. A semester-long "externship" follows the residency with field placement in a national or international governmental agency or non-governmental organization. Externships are tailored to each fellow's vocational interests. Placements vary widely and have included the U.S. Congress, Heritage Foundation, Ethics and Public Policy Center, Institute on Religion and Democracy, International Justice Mission, Opportunity International, and CARE in London, England.
Upon successful completion of the academic residency and externship, the Fellowship Program offers life-long membership in a professional fraternity that includes graduate school and job placement assistance, mentoring, career coaching, networking, and continuing education opportunities. Like similar prestigious postgraduate programs, the Institute's Fellowship is merit-based and offers a competitive stipend and housing benefit for its academic residency and externship.
Academic Residency
In order to develop leaders with the spiritual, intellectual, and professional fortitude for faith-informed public service, the Fellowship's academic residency consists of a core curriculum of interdisciplinary studies in theology, philosophy, ethics, history, politics, and jurisprudence. The Institute uses a "block course" system with 3-week long sequential courses that build upon one another. Thus, students are able to focus their attention on one course at a time. Classes are conducted Monday through Thursday in the Socratic teaching method. Each class day is framed by morning and evening chapel services that encourage common prayer, Scripture meditation, spiritual reflection, and service. Fridays are typically reserved for field studies and other co-curricular activities relating to leadership development.
