Become an Echidna Global Scholar: Brookings’ Fellowship in Gender & Education (2026)

The Echidna Global Scholars program is a visiting fellowship led by Brookings’ Center for Universal Education (CUE). It is designed for mid-career leaders working on education, gender equity, and the life outcomes of girls, young women, and gender non-conforming individuals in the Global South. Rather than just a research award, it combines leadership development, policy engagement, and lasting impact support.

Structure & Phases of the Fellowship

The fellowship unfolds in three integrated phases:

1. Pre-Residency (in your home country):

   • Before coming to Washington, D.C., fellows conduct country-based data collection and analysis.

   • They participate in virtual workshops, group sessions, and individual advisory support.

   • Scholars begin designing their impact strategy, engaging local stakeholders in preparation.
     
     

2. Residency (Washington, D.C.):

   • Fellows reside at Brookings, working full time on research dissemination, capacity building, leadership development, networking, and policy communication.

   • They receive mentoring on publishing, influencing policy audiences, and scaling their work.

   • The residency concludes with a virtual symposium on gender equality and education.

3. Post-Residency (back in home country):

   • Over two years after the residency, alumni receive support from the CUE team to carry out their impact plans, group meetings, advisory help, and leadership development.

   • Alumni become part of the Echidna Alumni Network, which hosts workshops, collaborative funds, and regular engagements.

Who Is Eligible?

Candidates for the Echidna Global Scholars Program typically have:

• Substantial experience in the Global South, and clear intention to return there and work.

• Strong professional background: at least 10 years in research, nonprofit, civil society, government, or community organizations in education, gender, or related fields.

• A Master’s degree or higher (often in education, public policy, economics, social sciences, etc.).

• Deep knowledge and commitment to gender & education issues.

• Ability to collaborate, receive feedback, and adapt quickly.

• Proficiency in English.

Application Components & Deadline

The application for the 2026 Visiting Fellowship is open now. The deadline is December 15, 2025.

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter

• CV / résumé

• Questionnaire responses

• A 3-5 page research proposal focusing on evidence and impact to improve life outcomes and education for girls, young women, or gender non-conforming people in their country

Additionally, letters of reference and supporting documentation will be required as part of the selection process.

Why This Fellowship Matters

• It allows you to transform education and gender research into real change through policy influence and strategic impact planning.

• With phases before, during, and after residency, the support is not just temporary—it helps you embed and sustain your work.

• As an Echidna Scholar, you join a global network of change-makers who share resources, collaboration, and mutual support.

• The fellowship helps amplify scholars’ visibility—through Brookings’ platforms, events, and policy circles.