SELI FAQs

What is the 2026 SELI timeline?
Applications open December 1, 2025, and the deadline to submit will be February 2, 2026. Other key events: Orientation (May 20-22, 2026); Placement at host site organization (May 25-July 17, 2026); Closing Meeting (July 22-24, 2026).

When are selections announced?
Announcements will be made in March 2026. Shortly after selection, the SEF team will work to determine appropriate placements and finalize work plans, which will be finalized by April.

What does the application entail?
Required materials include:
– Online application
– Resume
– Responses to short-answer questions
– Transcripts from all institutions attended
– One or two letters of recommendation
– Video interview with SEF staff

What are the eligibility requirements and key attributes of a successful fellow?
– No required college major or GPA
– Undergraduate students: 60+ credit hours by May 2026 or junior status
– Graduate/professional students also eligible
– Age: 20–35 years
– Core criteria: interest in advancing educational opportunity and systemic change
– Prior experience in education research or nonprofit work preferred
– Strong commitment to improving education in the South

Do I need to relocate for the fellowship?
Yes, fellows must demonstrate a willingness to relocate to their summer assignment location.

How are placements made? Do fellows choose their own placements/locations?
– Placements consider short-answer responses, interviews, experience, and interests
– School districts, education agencies, and nonprofit organizations submit work plans for fellows
– Fellows rank top 3–5 placement preferences
– SEF makes final placement decisions
– Fellows do not create their own work plans; these are pre-determined by the placement site and SEF

Are fellows provided housing during placements?
– Fellows secure their own housing with guidance from placement sites
– Housing options may include local universities or other convenient locations
– Stipends may cover housing; financial assistance is available for relocation

What does Orientation entail?
– Training on education issues and strategies
– Panels and group discussions
– Topics: educational opportunity gaps, systemic change, pre-K–college continuum
– Engagement with SEF partners, alumni, and staff
– Full participation by all fellows is required

What are the typical SELI placements and assignments?
– Full-time (40 hours/week, in-person) for eight weeks
– Assignments include research, convening stakeholders, developing communication tools
– Topics: systemic barriers in education, early education, afterschool/summer programs, school discipline, college access, higher education policy, teacher preparation
– Fellows complete small assignments and pre-Orientation readings
– Fellows present their work at the Closing Meeting
– Portfolios can be used to request course credit

Do fellows’ experiences vary in complexity, based on experience or education level?
Yes, each work plan is unique and tailored to skills, experience, interests, and education level.

What kind of expertise or skillsets have previous fellows gained through their placements?
– Needs assessments, grant proposals, community outreach, survey creation
– Presenting research to stakeholders
– Greater clarity in career trajectory and commitment to education/social justice

What does the Closing Meeting entail?
– Fellows present summer work and insights
– Reflect collectively on strategies for ongoing impact
– Full participation is required

How do the stipend and travel expenses work?
– Stipend: $5,000, paid in three parts over the 10-week program
– Covers living expenses, housing, and transportation during placement
– SEF covers travel:
– To Orientation in Atlanta
– From Orientation to placement city
– From placement city to Atlanta for Closing Meeting
– Home at summer’s end
– Car mileage reimbursed up to $250; no coverage for car shipment or rentals
– Financial assistance available if relocation is required