CEIP Gaither’s Junior Fellows Program Campus Application Instructions

Campus deadline: 19 December 2025

Program Overview & Benefits

Qualifications:

  • Applicants are accepted only from graduating seniors or from the previous year’s graduates who have not already started graduate studies.
  • There are no citizenship, GPA, or major/minor requirements.
  • Applicants should have completed a significant amount of coursework related to their discipline of interest.
  • Language and other skills may be required or recommended for certain assignments (these are listed next to the essay topics associated with each program)

Application Process:

Electronically submit the following using the “Submit Materials” tab on our website by 20 december 2024.
Remember, along with your application, you will need to submit the Nomination & Permission waiver form located in the Submit materials tab.

(1)  Complete the Nomination & Permission Waiver Form

(2)  Personal Essay: 2 page or less, double-spaced. The essay should discuss (a) why you would like to become a Junior Fellow, (b) what you hope to gain as a Junior Fellow, (c) why you chose to apply to the particular Junior Fellow program (the list consists of 12 programs), and (d) why your experience and working style will suit you as a potential Junior Fellow. The personal essay should add to what is apparent in the resume/CV. It must be well written. You must include your name as a header on each page of your essay.

(3)  A 3-5 page, double-spaced, substantive essay/writing sample. The writing sample must be accompanied by a brief (half page, single-spaced) explanation of why you chose the writing sample. The explanation is not included in the 3-5 page limit.  You may want to select a writing sample that aligns somewhat with the Junior Fellow program to which you are applying.  A list of this year’s Program Areas and their preferred or required background/skills sought for each can be found here.  (Please note: CEIP may ultimately select an applicant for a program outside of his/her designated primary interest or have the Junior Fellow assigned to more than one program.)

  • The writing sample topic is flexible. It can be on any topic. However, the sample selected should be relevant to the program you are applying for, either in subject matter or style of analysis. Visit the Carnegie Endowment’s website to get an idea of what each research program is working on as well as their style.
  • Select a sample that shows off your analytical style and/or subject matter expertise.
  • A works cited/references/bibliography page is not required; instead, the writing sample should include in-text citations (if necessary) either as footnotes/endnotes or as parenthetical citations)
  • The writing sample is the most critical component of your application. The essay is intended to showcase your skills in analysis, logic, and written expression. What is important is that the essay be clearly articulated and well argued.
  • You must include your name as a header on each page of your essay.

(4)  Resume/CV: 1 – 2 pages (preferred), include details of research and relevant work experience

(5)  Complete and return with your application materials the CEIP Application Form, 2025-2026 application year. This is a WORD document.

(6)  Recommenders: Provide us with the names of 2 recommenders who have agreed to write you strong, highly supportive letters of recommendation. Please note: recommendation letters will be due no later than 27 December

  • LORs may come from any appropriate individual.
  • Both LORs must speak to your research, critical thinking, communicative and teamwork skills, knowledge of the topic/issues as well as how you can contribute to the Junior Fellows Program.

(6a) Please share the following information with your recommenders:

  • LORs must be strong, and highly supportive. They must speak to you research, critical thinking, communicative & teamwork skills, knowledge of the topic/issues and how you can contribute to the Junior Fellows Program.
  • LORs must be on letterhead and signed.
  • LORs should be addressed to the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program.
  • LORs must NOT be sent directly to CEIP! They must be submitted as electronic attachments (via email) or as hard copies to Dean Goldberg at goldbeja@lafayette.edu or 105 Scott Hall.
  • LORs should arrive by 27 December 2024
  • 2024-2025 CEIP Program Topic Essay List

(7)  Complete and return with your application materials the Gaither Application Form, 2025-2026 application year. This is a fillable WORD document.