The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has officially launched the 2026 Leading Edge Fellowship Competition, offering an exceptional opportunity for recent PhD graduates in the humanities and interpretive social sciences to apply their expertise beyond the academy.
Now in its eighth edition and supported by the Mellon Foundation, the ACLS Leading Edge Fellowship Program is designed to demonstrate the power of humanistic training in advancing justice, equity, and community-centered impact, while also opening new and meaningful career pathways for PhDs.
About the ACLS Leading Edge Fellowship Program
In 2026, ACLS will award 14 two-year fellowships to recent PhD holders, placing them within mission-driven nonprofit organizations across the United States. Fellows will work closely with communities and organizations addressing pressing social issues, while applying the analytical, research, communication, and critical thinking skills developed during their doctoral training.
Partner organizations for the 2026 cohort include (but are not limited to):
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Presidents’ Alliance on Immigration and Higher Education
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Western North Carolina Community Health Services
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El Timpano
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Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta
A full list of partner organizations and fellowship projects is available on the ACLS website.
Fellowship Roles and Areas of Work
Leading Edge Fellows may take on roles in areas such as:
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Advocacy and public policy research
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Communications and storytelling
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Community engagement and organizing
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Program development and evaluation
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Equity, justice, and social impact initiatives
These placements allow fellows to translate academic expertise into real-world impact while building long-term, non-academic career trajectories.
Fellowship Benefits
Each ACLS Leading Edge Fellow will receive:
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Minimum annual stipend of $70,000, with an increase in the second year
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Employer-sponsored health insurance
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Professional mentorship and career coaching
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Professional development funding
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Access to peer mentorship and national networks
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Relocation stipend, if applicable
In addition, fellows benefit from ACLS-organized professional development activities, alumni mentorship, and both virtual and in-person networking events designed to support post-fellowship career success.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Hold a PhD in the humanities or interpretive social sciences
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Have their PhD conferred on or after September 1, 2021, and no later than August 31, 2026
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Be authorized to work legally in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)
Application Deadline
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Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
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Time: 9:00 PM EDT
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application through the ACLS portal.
For more opportunities, click here.
