James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
The James Madison Foundation Fellowships
were created to honor the legacy of James Madison--President, Secretary
of State, Father of the Constitution--by providing fellowships for graduate
studies that focus on the Constitution and its contemporary relevance
to the practices and policies of democratic government. Fellows receive
the opportunity to deepen critical research and writing skills, develop
professional ties that can significantly affect their career paths,
and strengthen their teaching proficiency.
The Foundation (Link)
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation was
established by Congress in 1986 for the purpose of improving teaching
about the United States Constitution in secondary schools. The Foundation
is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the federal government.
Funding for the Foundation's programs comes from Congress and generous
contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The Foundation
has a Board of Trustees and its daily operations are directed by a president
and a small staff The Foundation's office is located in Washington,
D.C.
ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIPS
The Foundation is seeking applicants with a demonstrated
commitment to a career in teaching American history, American government
or social studies at the secondary level.
Applicants for a fellowship must:
-
Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
-
Be a teacher or plan to become a teacher, of American
history, American government, or social studies at the secondary
school level
-
Have earned an undergraduate degree by August 31
of the competition year.
Two levels of fellowships are offered:
Junior Fellowships, awarded to students who are about
to complete, or have completed, their undergraduate course of study
and intend to pursue full-time graduate work.
Senior Fellowships, awarded to teachers who want
to pursue graduate studies on a part-time basis through summer and
evening classes.
After earning the master's degree, a James Madison Fellow is required
to teach American history, American government, or social studies
in grades 7-12 for one year per each full academic year of study under
the fellowship.
The maximum amount of each award is $24,000. Fellowship payments
cover the actual costs of tuition, required fees, books, and room
and board but cannot exceed $12,000 per academic year. Normally, Fellows
receive less than these maximum amounts.
Failure to complete the program requirements will necessitate repayment
to the Foundation all funds paid to the Fellow, or on his or her behalf,
plus interest.
CHOICE OF GRADUATE SCHOOL AND DEGREE
James Madison Fellows may attend any accredited institution
of higher education in the United States, provided the curriculum is
relevant to the goals of the fellowship.
Fellows are expected to complete one of the following:
with an emphasis on American history, government, political science,
or other relevant concentration.
Choice of Curriculum
Since the course of study must meet the Foundation's mission to improve
teaching about the Constitution in secondary schools, typical course
work should include topics such as the origins and development of
the U.S. Constitution, the evolution of political theory and constitutional
law, the effects of the Constitution on society and culture in the
United States, or other subjects directly related to the Constitution.
Fellows attend the Foundation's month-long Summer Institute on the
Constitution, “The Foundations of American Constitutionalism;”
held at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. The cost of the Institute
is paid by the Foundation.
About the Fellowship
"The fellowship has brought with it the professional recognition
of the school administration and the respect of my colleagues. It
brings with it an obligation to continually learn, to teach, and
to inspire students in the study of the Constitution." Glenna
R. Humphries
About Professional Enrichment
"No other workshop, fellowship, or institute has had the
impact on my teaching and my life--both before or since-as has the
James Madison Memorial Fellowship. For a mid-career teacher, the
challenges of embarking upon a graduate degree through part-time
study were formidable,
but the sense of personal achievement and professional accomplishment
upon receiving my degree reinvigorated my teaching and renewed my
commitment to scholarly pursuit." Claire M. Griffin
About the Summer Institute
"The Madison Foundation's Summer Institute was an academic
experience of a lifetime! The experience was so complete, participants
couldn't help but be inspired to explore historical and contemporary
constitutional issues with an intensity that forged many new friendships
and encouraged every fellow to rethink how the Constitution should
be taught." Kent R. Borghoff
“What spectacle can be more seasonable, than that
of Liberty & Learning, each leaning on the other for their mutual
and surest support?” James Madison
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information and detailed regulations about
the Foundation and the fellowship program, or to receive an application
packet, please visit the Foundation’s website: www.jamesmadison.com
DEADLINE: March 1 annually
ADDRESS: James Madison Memorial
Fellowship Foundation, 2201 North Dodge Street, P.O. Box 4030, Iowa
City, Iowa 52243-4030
TELEPHONE: 1-800-525-6928
FAX: 319-337-1204
email: madison@act.org
