The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers $24,000 James Madison Graduate Fellowships to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence. As funding permits, the Foundation plans to offer one fellowship per state per year.
The 2025 James Madison Graduate Fellowship application is now open. Click here to apply now.
What is the James Madison Graduate Fellowship?
The James Madison Graduate Fellowship is a nationally competitive award designed to support individuals who aspire to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level (grades 7-12). The fellowship honors the legacy of James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution,” and aims to enhance the quality of teaching in American history and government.
Opportunity Summary
Category: Masters
Sponsor(s): James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, USA
School: US accredited institution based in the United States
Location: USA
Application Deadline: 9th March, 2025.
Overview
The James Madison Graduate Fellowships support the graduate study of American history by aspiring and experienced secondary school teachers of American history, American government and civics.
The fellowships are funded by income from a trust fund in the Treasury of the United States established by act of Congress in 1986. The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation is a federally endowed and privately funded program.
Benefits
The fellowship provides up to $24,000 towards a master’s degree, which fellows can use over the course of 2-5 years depending on their teaching status:
- Junior Fellowships are awarded to students who are about to complete, or have recently completed, their undergraduate course of study and intend to pursue full-time graduate work. Junior Fellows have two years to complete their degree.
- Senior Fellowships are awarded to experienced teachers who wish to undertake graduate study on a part-time basis through summer and evening classes. Senior Fellows have up to five years to complete their degree.
In addition to financial support, all James Madison Fellows participate in a four-week summer institute on the Constitution held at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for a James Madison Graduate Fellowship:
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must be a teacher, or plan to become a teacher, of American history, American government, or civics classes where you will teach topics on the Constitution at the secondary school level (grades 7–12).
- You must possess a bachelor’s degree or plan to receive a bachelor’s degree no later than August 31st of the year in which you are applying.
Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence. As funding permits, the Foundation plans to offer one fellowship per state per year.
How to Apply
Click here to start your online application for the 2025 James Madison Graduate Fellowship on the Kaleidoscope scholarship platform.The application requires:
- A completed online application form
- A 600-word essay explaining your commitment to a career teaching American history, American government, or civics classes where you will teach topics on the Constitution at the secondary school level
- A proposed plan of graduate study
- Three evaluations, including a letter of recommendation from a college professor, department head, or professional colleague
- Transcripts
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
Applications are typically due on March 1st each year for the following academic year. The deadline for the 2025 fellowships is March 9, 2025.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on:
- Demonstrated commitment to a career teaching American history, American government, or civics classes at the secondary school level
- Demonstrated intent to pursue graduate study that emphasizes the Constitution
- Demonstrated devotion to civic responsibility
- Demonstrated capacity for study and performance as classroom teachers
- Proposed courses of graduate study
Conditions of Award
James Madison Fellows agree to:
- Teach American history, American government, or civics classes where they will teach topics on the Constitution full-time in grades 7–12 for at least one year for each full academic year of funding received
- Attend the four-week Summer Institute on the Constitution in Washington, D.C. during the summer after the commencement of their graduate program
- Teach in the states, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, or schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education or the U.S. Department of Defense
About James Madison
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 for the purpose of improving teaching about the United States Constitution in secondary schools.
James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, is known as the “Father of the Constitution” for his pivotal role in the document’s drafting, ratification and interpretation. He helped frame the Bill of Rights and collaborated with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay to produce the Federalist Papers, which explained and promoted the proposed Constitution to the public.
As a member of the new House of Representatives, Madison introduced the Bill of Rights. In later years, he served as Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson and supervised the Louisiana Purchase. As president, Madison led the country through the War of 1812.
Conclusion
The James Madison Graduate Fellowships provide an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring and experienced secondary school teachers to pursue graduate study focused on the U.S. Constitution. With funding of up to $24,000 and the chance to attend a summer institute at Georgetown University, James Madison Fellows gain the knowledge and skills to become outstanding educators and scholars of the Constitution.
If you are a current or prospective secondary school teacher of American history, government or civics with a passion for the Constitution, apply now for the 2025 James Madison Graduate Fellowships. The application deadline is March 9, 2025.
For more information, visit the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation website.
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