Racial Justice Fellowship 2026 at New Economy Project (Paid Opportunity for Students)

The Racial Justice Fellowship 2026 at New Economy Project is now accepting applications for students interested in economic justice, community organizing, and policy advocacy. This paid summer fellowship offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on campaigns that promote racial justice and neighborhood equity. Applications are open until March 9, 2026, making this a valuable opportunity for students seeking meaningful summer experience in social justice advocacy.

The Racial Justice Fellowship provides participants with exposure to real-world initiatives focused on community wealth building, policy research, and coalition organizing. Fellows will collaborate with New Economy Project staff and partner organizations to advance economic justice through innovative solutions such as community land trusts, worker cooperatives, public banking initiatives, and other models that empower communities.

About the Racial Justice Fellowship

The Racial Justice Fellowship is organized by New Economy Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just and democratic economy. Through advocacy, organizing, and policy development, the organization works to challenge systemic inequality and promote economic systems that benefit communities.

This fellowship provides students with an opportunity to gain practical experience working on advocacy campaigns that address structural inequality. Fellows will contribute to projects that focus on economic justice and neighborhood equity while learning from experienced advocates and organizers.

The program combines policy work, research, community engagement, and communications strategies. Fellows will work alongside experts and activists who are actively involved in shaping policies and programs that promote financial inclusion, community ownership, and equitable economic systems.

Benefits of the Racial Justice Fellowship

Participants in the Racial Justice Fellowship receive several benefits that support their professional growth and career development.

First, the fellowship is a paid opportunity, offering compensation of $17 per hour. This ensures that students who may not otherwise have access to funded internships can participate in the program.

Second, fellows gain hands-on experience in several areas related to economic justice and policy advocacy. Participants will learn about:

• Policy advocacy and legislative research
• Coalition organizing and grassroots mobilization
• Community education and public engagement
• Research and mapping projects
• Strategic communications and storytelling

Third, fellows will gain valuable exposure to the nonprofit and policy sectors, allowing them to understand how advocacy campaigns are designed and implemented.

Finally, the fellowship provides networking opportunities with professionals working in social justice, community development, and public policy.

Areas of Work and Learning

During the Racial Justice Fellowship, participants will work on projects that contribute to building stronger and more equitable communities.

Key focus areas include:

Community Wealth Building

Fellows will explore models that help communities retain wealth and resources locally. These include worker cooperatives, community land trusts, and other innovative economic models.

Policy Advocacy

Participants will support policy campaigns aimed at addressing systemic financial inequality and promoting inclusive economic systems.

Coalition Organizing

The fellowship emphasizes collaboration with community groups and partner organizations. Fellows will assist with coalition efforts that bring together advocates working toward shared goals.

Community Education

Fellows may contribute to outreach efforts designed to educate communities about economic justice issues and available resources.

Research and Mapping

Participants will conduct research that supports policy advocacy and campaign development.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Racial Justice Fellowship, applicants must meet several criteria.

Applicants must currently be enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited institution. The fellowship is designed for students interested in gaining experience in policy, community organizing, and economic justice work.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing racial and economic justice. This may be shown through previous academic work, volunteer activities, internships, or personal initiatives.

Applicants must also possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as fellows will collaborate with team members, partner organizations, and community stakeholders.

Additionally, strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, as fellows will contribute to research, campaign coordination, and communications projects.

While the fellowship is open to applicants from different locations, priority will be given to applicants based in New York City.

Duration and Location

The Racial Justice Fellowship is a full-time program lasting between 8 and 10 weeks during the summer of 2026.

The program follows a hybrid structure, combining remote work with in-person engagement. This allows fellows to participate in research and advocacy work while also attending meetings, events, and community activities.

Participants will work closely with New Economy Project staff and partner organizations during the fellowship period.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their application materials by email.

To apply for the Racial Justice Fellowship, candidates must prepare a single PDF file that includes:

• A current resume
• A cover letter explaining their interest in the fellowship and relevant experience

The email subject line should read:

“2026 Summer Fellowship Application.”

Applications should be submitted to:

hiring@neweconomyproject.org

APPLY HERE

Deadline

March 9, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials before the deadline to ensure their applications are considered.

Final Note

The Racial Justice Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for students who are passionate about social justice, economic equality, and community empowerment. By participating in this program, fellows will gain practical skills, professional connections, and meaningful experience working on campaigns that aim to create a more equitable economy.

Students interested in policy advocacy, community organizing, or nonprofit work will find this fellowship especially valuable as it provides direct exposure to the strategies used to address systemic inequality.

For more global fellowships, scholarships, internships, and funding opportunities for students and professionals, click here to explore more opportunities on Opportunities for Youth.