Step Into Justice Leadership at Columbia – Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025–26
Programme Overview
Each Fellowship cohort meets weekly in person at Columbia’s School of Social Work in New York City, beginning in October 2025 and running through May 2026. Participants engage in interdisciplinary leadership training through seminars, workshops, and guest lectures while working collectively on Solidarity Team Projects that support local organizations addressing criminal justice reform and community resilience.
Eligibility Requirements
The Fellowship welcomes individuals residing in the greater New York City area, including Columbia University students (undergraduate or graduate, at least half-time) and community members—particularly those with personal or familial experiences of incarceration. No prior extensive experience is required; what matters most is commitment to social justice, collaborative learning, and participation in weekly sessions.
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows access thought-provoking leadership seminars and gain practical organizing and advocacy experience through collaborative projects. They join a supportive community of mentors and peers deeply engaged in transformative justice. A stipend of $1,000 accompanies the certificate-based programme, enabling meaningful involvement without financial strain
How to Apply
The application portal opens in July 2025 and closes by mid-August 2025. After initial screening, candidates participate in rolling group interviews between late August and early September. Admitted Fellows are notified by early September, with the programme officially launching in early October and concluding in May 2026. Prospective applicants submit their résumé or CV and a personal statement through Columbia’s Center for Justice application platform.