James Madison Graduate Fellowship Grant

James Madison Graduate Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: James Madison Memorial Fellowship Program
Amount: Up to US $24,000
Last Updated: July 14, 2025

Summary

The James Madison Graduate Fellowship supports U.S. citizens pursuing master's degrees focused on the Constitution, enhancing their constitutional knowledge for teaching. Fellows are required to teach American history, government, or civics at the secondary level for one year per funding year. Financially, the fellowship awards up to $24,000, covering tuition and fees, and must be repaid if fellowship conditions are unmet. This program ensures future educators embody constitutional principles in their teaching.

Overview

Introduction James Madison Fellowships were created by Congress to honor James Madison's legacy and Madisonian principles by providing support for master’s degrees that focus on the Constitution – its roots, its formation, its principles, and its development. The benefits of the fellowship program are manifold and lasting. While in graduate school, Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the principles of constitutional government, which they then impart to their students. In the process, they form professional ties that can significantly influence their teaching aspirations. In this way, the James Madison Fellowships ensure that the spirit and practical wisdom of the Constitution will guide the actions of future generations of American citizens. Professional Teaching Obligation: After receiving the master's degree, each Fellow must teach American history, American government, or civics in grades 7-12 for one full year for each academic year of funding received under a fellowship, preferably in the state from which the recipient won the fellowship. Financial Aspects of the Award: The maximum amount of each award is $24,000, prorated over the period of study, and in no case shall the award exceed $12,000 for one academic year of study. Payments are made only for the actual costs of tuition, required fees, and books (as well as room and board if required to live away from your principal residence), and are made only for the minimum number of credits required for the award of the degree for which a Fellow is registered. Failure to complete the study for which the fellowship is awarded, to attend the Summer Institute on the Constitution, and to teach qualifying subjects in grades 7-12 for the requisite amount of time entailed by the award will result in forfeiture of the fellowship and require the return of all funds paid under the fellowship, plus applicable interest under federal law. Types of Fellowships: The Foundation offers two types of fellowships: Junior Fellowships are awarded to outstanding college seniors and college graduates without teaching experience who intend to become secondary school teachers of American history, American government, or civics in grades 7-12. Junior Fellows are expected to complete graduate study within two academic years of full-time study. Senior Fellowships are awarded to outstanding current secondary school teachers who are required to complete graduate study within 5 calendar years of part-time study. Specially Funded Fellowship: The Admiral Paul A. Yost, Jr.-James Madison Fellowship is awarded to an individual who meets the fellowship eligibility criteria above and has served honorably in the U.S. military. Those who would like to compete for the Admiral Paul A. Yost, Jr.-James Madison Fellowship should mark the appropriate box on the fellowship application. Candidates will only compete against others who have also marked this box. Once the Admiral Paul A. Yost, Jr.-James Madison Fellowship awardee is selected by the Selection Committee, all remaining applicants will compete in their own home state competition for standard James Madison Fellowships

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Be a U.S. citizen Be a teacher, or plan to become a teacher, of American history, American government, or civics at the secondary school level (grades 7-12). Possess a bachelor's degree or plan to receive one no later than August 31 of the year in which you are applying.