Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a competitive six-month visiting fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. Established in 2012, the program targets experienced leaders from the Global South who are working to improve educational opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people.
The fellowship combines individual research with leadership development, evidence-based policy training, and network building. Since its inception, the program has hosted 14 cohorts and currently maintains an alumni network of 48 scholars from 25 different countries. The program is funded by Echidna Giving.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The Echidna Global Scholars Program provides comprehensive support for the six-month residency in Washington, D.C. While specific monetary values are not published, the fellowship typically covers:
- Living stipend for the duration of the fellowship
- Housing assistance or accommodation support
- Research resources and access to Brookings Institution facilities
- Professional development and leadership training
- Integration into the Echidna Alumni Network upon completion
Fellows should contact the program directly at [email protected] for detailed funding information.
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Eligibility Requirements
The program seeks mid-career professionals with demonstrated leadership experience in education, gender equality, or related fields. Based on the profile of current and past scholars, competitive applicants typically have:
- 10+ years of professional experience in social impact, policy, or education sectors
- Proven track record of leadership in gender-transformative initiatives
- Experience working in or across the Global South
- Strong research capabilities and policy engagement experience
- Existing institutional affiliation or organizational leadership role
The program particularly values applicants with grassroots experience, policy influence, and commitment to systemic change. Past scholars include founders of youth organizations, executive directors of education NGOs, and human rights lawyers with extensive field experience.
Research Focus
Each scholar pursues an individual research project focused on gender-transformative education. The 2026 cohort illustrates the range of approved topics:
- Vandita Morarka (India): Informal leadership programs by feminist civil society organizations supporting young women and queer people’s civic participation
- Ritika Khunnah (India): Mental well-being of adolescents and young adults in educational institutions
- Irene Muinde (Kenya): Career guidance systems for equitable transitions from secondary education in rural Kenya
- Cristiana Pereira Pinto (Mozambique): Scaling near-peer mentoring to advance gender equality in foundational learning
Research must directly address improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people.
Application Process
The application period for the 2027 fellowship is now open. Follow these steps to apply:
- Review requirements: Confirm you meet the experience and focus area criteria
- Attend information session: Watch the virtual information session or email questions to [email protected]
- Prepare materials: Develop your research proposal, CV, and supporting documents
- Submit application: Complete the online application by the deadline
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview
Applicants are encouraged to start early and seek clarification on requirements before submitting.
Selection and Timeline
The fellowship runs for six months, with the 2027 cohort beginning after the December 1, 2026 application deadline. Selection considers:
- Quality and relevance of proposed research
- Demonstrated leadership impact and potential
- Alignment with program goals of catalyzing gender-transformative education
- Capacity to contribute to and benefit from the Brookings research environment
Upon completion, scholars transition to the Echidna Alumni Network, a community of practice designed to amplify collective influence on gender and education policy globally.
Why African and SADC Applicants Should Apply
The program has hosted scholars from across the Global South, including African countries. For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, the fellowship offers:
- Direct access to global policy networks and Brookings research infrastructure
- Opportunity to elevate locally grounded research to international audiences
- Connection to alumni working on similar challenges in comparable contexts
- Platform to influence education policy discourse affecting the region
The program values diverse geographic perspectives, and African applicants with strong gender and education portfolios are competitive candidates.
Official scholarship page: https://www.brookings.edu/echidna-global-scholars-program/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
