What is the Karel Fellowship?

The Karel Fellowship is an eight-week, paid, summer program that encourages first-generation and/or Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color students to consider professional opportunities in the field of public interest communications. The Fellowship is focused on translating personal passion for a more just world into communication skills that elicit social change. Selected Fellows are matched with a leading local, national, or international nonprofit in the Greater Washington, D.C. area, where they work on social justice issues under the guidance of a communications mentor. The program runs from June 16 – August 9, 2024.

Who is eligible?

First-generation and/or Black, Indigenous, or People of Color students who are rising juniors or seniors and have demonstrated a commitment to social justice are eligible to apply. Strong communication skills are not required but are preferred.

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2024 cycle are now open! Please visit the Karel Fellowship home page to access the application. 

What are the perks?

D.C. is an expensive city, especially for interns. To help with living expenses, each Fellow will receive a $5,000 stipend (minus taxes), paid housing, and a travel stipend (amounts will vary depending on where Fellows are traveling from).

Post-fellowship Expectations

This isn’t just a summer internship, it’s a budding community!

Upon completing the program, Fellows will join a growing network of Karel alum. As alumni, you’ll be asked to help with recruitment, attend events and mentor incoming Fellows, among other things. You’re expected and encouraged to stay involved!

In past years Fellows have also been offered the opportunity to attend and speak at frank during the spring following their summer Fellowship. frank is a national conference hosted at the University of Florida that brings together professionals from across the social change spectrum to discuss fresh research, insights, and news pertaining to the field of public interest communications.

All travel, lodging, and food expenses related to frank are covered by the Fellowship.

Support for the Fellowship comes from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kellogg Foundation, Burness, Spitfire Strategies, Brodeur Partners, the Moriah Fund, the Viola Fund, and Betsy Karel. The Karel Fellowship is fiscally sponsored by the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.