USA Columbia University Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025

Description

If you are passionate about criminal justice reform, ending mass incarceration, or seeking a meaningful opportunity to drive social change, the prestigious Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025–2026 is now accepting applications.

Offered by the Center for Justice at Columbia University, this interdisciplinary leadership development program is designed for students and community members directly impacted by incarceration. The fellowship focuses on building identity, knowledge, organizing skills, and powerful networks to empower participants in their journey toward justice transformation and community healing.

Degree Level

USA Columbia University Beyond the Bars Fellowship 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at Columbia University.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

Benefits

1. Leadership Development: Gain practical and theoretical knowledge about criminal justice reform, restorative justice, and organizing strategies.
2. Collaborative Projects: Work on real-world social justice campaigns with leading advocacy organizations.
3. Community Building: Connect with a diverse cohort of fellows and experts committed to systemic change.
4. Weekly In-Person Meetings: Sessions will be held at Columbia University from October 2025 to May 2026.

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship welcomes:

1. Undergraduate and graduate students interested in social justice
2. Formerly incarcerated individuals or those impacted by the justice system
3. Community organizersactivists, and social workers
4. Individuals passionate about prison reform, human rightsand community empowerment

No previous experience is required—just a commitment to learning and justice.

About the Organizers

The Center for Justice at Columbia University works to reduce reliance on incarceration and advance alternative models of justice rooted in equity and healing. The Beyond the Bars Fellowship is one of its flagship programs, dedicated to developing a new generation of leaders in criminal justice transformation.

Application Procedure

Why Apply to the Beyond the Bars Fellowship?

The Beyond the Bars Fellowship is more than just a program—it’s a movement for justice and healing. Participants gain:

1. In-depth understanding of mass incarceration
2. Exposure to restorative and transformative justice practices
3. Training in community organizing, advocacyand policy reform
4. Access to a supportive, justice-oriented community
5. The opportunity to collaborate with impactful justice organizations

By the end of the fellowship, participants will have found their place in the movement to end mass criminalizationequipped with the tools and confidence to lead long-term change.

Application Timeline

1. Applications Open: July 15, 2025
2. Applications Close: August 15, 2025
3. Group Interviews: August 25 – September 5, 2025 (rolling basis)
4. Notification Date: September 12, 2025
5. Program Begins: October 7, 2025

Apply to the Beyond the Bars Fellowship (Insert application link)

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement for a more just and safe world.

Apply before August 15, 2025!