Southern Education Leadership Initiative Fellowship

Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow 

The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia, is seeking highly motivated and diverse undergraduate and graduate students to join its Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI). 

For over 150 years, SEF has worked to improve excellence and opportunity in education for low-income students and students of color across the South. Through research, advocacy, and innovative programs, SEF addresses systemic inequities and prepares future leaders to create lasting change. Candidates for the SELI Fellowship should demonstrate a strong commitment to expanding educational access and opportunity and embody SEF’s mission and values. 

To learn more, please visit https://southerneducation.org/what-we-do/leadership-development/seli/  

The Opportunity: 

Launched in 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) is a unique fellowship program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in education and social justice. SELI fellows gain hands-on experience in education through a ten-week summer fellowship where they are placed with organizations across the South, working on projects that advance educational opportunity and excellence in education. 

As a SELI fellow, you will: 

Develop as leaders in education and civil rights  

Engage with important community stakeholders  

Acquire practical job skills  

Learn about contemporary education issues in the South 

Fellows are placed in school districts, education agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations that focus on advocacy, policy analysis, grant-making, community organizing, and direct service. Each placement is tailored to match the fellow’s skills, interests, and developmental needs. 

Program Highlights: 

Stipend: Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend for living expenses, with additional financial assistance available for relocation if needed. 

Travel Support: SEF covers travel expenses for orientation and closing meetings in Atlanta, as well as for relocation to placement sites. 

Comprehensive Training: A three-day orientation from May 20 to May 22, 2026 in Atlanta, GA provides fellows with tools and strategies for leadership and social justice work. 

Fellowship Placement: Full-time, in-person placement in an organization across the southern region from May 25 to July 17, 2026, under the supervision of seasoned leaders. 

Reflection and Networking: Fellows participate in a closing meeting from July 22 to July 24, 2026 in Atlanta, GA to reflect on their experiences and join a robust alumni network of over 300 SELI leaders. 

Eligibility and Other Requirements: 

Must be between 20 and 35 years old.  

Must be currently enrolled in a four-year college or graduate program.  

Must have completed 60 credit hours (the equivalent of junior status or above in an undergraduate program) or be currently enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or professional program at a college or university. No minimum GPA is required.  

All majors are accepted, but you must have a demonstrated interest in advancing educational opportunity and/or social justice.  

Must have excellent interpersonal, writing, and critical thinking skills, with flexibility to respond well to diverse people, settings, and tasks.  

Deadline for the submission of a complete application is February 2, 2026, at 5 PM ET.  Deadline extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Amber C. Davis with SEF at adavis@southerneducation.org to request an extension. 

Must only work on assigned projects from the placement site and SEF during the fellowship. Students do not design their projects for this experiential learning opportunity but are assigned projects by their placement site supervisor.  

Must be willing to relocate to another city or town for the summer, and refrain from any coursework, test preparation, or other jobs or internships during the summer program. Fellows must attend in full the Orientation and Closing Meeting and be physically present at their placement site for office hours and for the duration of the program. 

Application Process: 

To apply, submit the following by February 2, 2026, at 5 PM ET: 

Online application: Apply Here 

Resume including education, work experience, and achievements 

College transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable) 

A response to Short Answer Questions included in the application 

Recommendation forms from one or two professional references: Share the link to the recommendation form with recommenders directly (www.surveymonkey.com/r/recommendseli26). All recommendations must be submitted before the application deadline to complete your submission. 

For questions, contact Amber C. Davis at adavis@southerneducation.org. 

Register for the informational webinar on Dec 10 @1pm EST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l4SIDtD-TF2tXx4BbsU9xw 

Key Dates: 

Application Deadline: February 2, 2026 

Orientation: May 20–22, 2026 (Atlanta, GA) 

Fellowship Placement: May 25–July 17, 2026 

Closing Meeting: July 22–24, 2026 (Atlanta, GA) 

Join a Legacy of Change: 

The SELI Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to advance educational opportunity while gaining invaluable professional experience. Upon completion, fellows join SEF’s prestigious alumni network, continuing their journey to create a more just and excellent education system for all.