CENTER FOR RELIGION, CULTURE & DEMOCRACY

D.C. FELLOWSHIP

JANUARY 2–6, 2027

Explore the unique legal foundations of the American Republic

This fellowship provides high-achieving students, hoping to explore careers in law, with a unique opportunity to learn about the world’s oldest written constitution and immerse themselves in all that Washington, D.C., has to offer.

“The Constitution is the greatest single effort of national deliberation that the world has ever seen.”
– President John Adams

WHAT IS THE

D.C. Fellowship

The D.C. Fellowship is a competitive program for a small number of high-achieving students interested in pursuing careers in the law or careers that require an understanding of the law. This interactive experience allows fellows to learn about American constitutional history, jurisprudence, and the history of the American legal system from leading scholars and practitioners. Past cohorts have enjoyed guided tours of the Library of Congress, after-hours visits to the U.S. Capitol, and tours of parts of the Smithsonian and National Gallery collections. A highlight of the Fellowship is a joint seminar and reception with the Winter Fellows of the James Wilson Institute, a leading institution devoted to cultivating young lawyers dedicated to Constitutional integrity. JWI is one of the CRCD’s closest collaborators.

Participants complete about 100 pages of reading to prepare for a mix of discussion-based seminars, lectures, and visits to several D.C. area institutions.

Here's what our past participants are saying

“This experience has been remarkable. I was able to learn from accomplished speakers and make great friendships with people from around the states, and the world.”

“My time at CRCD was both engaging and instructive. I had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with experts who work tirelessly to promote religious freedom in our secular age. The opportunity to be a part of this fellowship was truly a blessing.”

“My experience in the D.C. Fellowship motivated and equipped me with practical means to use my God-given passions to effectively serve our country in the public sphere. It was great to be able to connect with like-minded peers and discuss how we can operate and make decisions in a political atmosphere while still exemplifying our Christian faith.”

“This experience has been remarkable. I was able to learn from accomplished speakers and make great friendships with people from around the states, and the world.”

Jacob KimbleBA History, Political Science, Concordia University Chicago (May 2026) | 2024 D.C. Fellow

Mark den HollanderB.S. English Language and Literature, Hillsdale College (May 2025) | 2024 D.C. Fellow

Elizabeth CavenBA, Political Science and Philosophy, Colorado Christian University (May 2025) | 2024 D.C. Fellow

Who Should Apply?

The D.C. Fellowship is ideal for high achieving students who aspire to careers in law, public policy, lobbying, politics, academics, or think tank research. Our fellows often come from programs in law, history, philosophy, and political science, but students from all fields of study are welcome.

The dates for the D.C. Fellowship are January 2, 2027 – January 6, 2027.

The 2027 D.C. Fellowship applications will open April 20th. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply is October 19, 2026

The D.C. Fellowship is open to any student pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Apply

Completed online application

References

Outstanding references from former instructors

Resume

Resume of academic, professional, & civic experience

Writing Sample

Demonstrates interest and comprehension of the humanities and social sciences.

Ready to Apply?

The tenth annual D.C. Fellowship Program in Washington DC.

The dates for the 2027 D.C. Fellowship are: January 2, 2027 – January 6, 2027

For questions regarding the application process, contact Jillian Barr at jbarr@firstliberty.org.

Applications will open on April 20, 2026 and will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 19, 2026.