The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a prestigious leadership fellowship at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., that empowers mid-career education and development leaders from around the world. This fully-funded fellowship focuses on gender-transformative education and strengthening local leaders’ capacity to improve learning outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people. Over six months, scholars conduct independent research and develop evidence-based policy and leadership skills, broadening their professional network and global impact. As a top global opportunity in education research, the program offers unparalleled professional development and a pathway to becoming a changemaker in your community.
Fellowship Overview
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a visiting fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) within Brookings’ Global Economy & Development program. Its purpose is to catalyze local leaders’ impact on gender equality in education, especially in the Global South. Selected scholars spend six months in fellowship – including two months of pre-residency work in their home country and four months in Washington, D.C. – conducting research on girls’ education and building strategies to transform their home education systems. After the residency, scholars join a two-year alumni network for continued support and collaboration. This leadership fellowship is fully funded and supported by Echidna Giving at Brookings, reflecting Brookings’ commitment to gender and global education.
Fellowship Details
- Country: United States (Washington, D.C.) – The residency and on-site program take place at Brookings’ main campus in the U.S. capital.
- Host Organization: Brookings Institution, Center for Universal Education (CUE). CUE is a leading research center focused on quality education and gender equality.
- Duration: 6 months (pre-residency + in-person residency). The program runs about June through December, including ~2 months of remote preparation followed by ~4 months in Washington, D.C. (and 2 years of alumni engagement).
- Funding: Fully funded fellowship. Brookings provides a $26,500 USD stipend plus covers travel, visa costs, single-room housing during residency, and a basic health insurance plan.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be mid-career professionals with a strong commitment to girls’ and women’s education. Key requirements include:
- Experience/Ties to Global South: Substantial work experience and local roots in a developing country; intent to return and apply fellowship learning locally.
- Education: Master’s degree (or higher) in education, development, public policy, economics, or a related social science/humanities field.
- Professional Experience: At least 10 years of work experience in research, NGOs, government, or academia, especially in education or gender equality.
- Skills & Knowledge: Deep understanding of education and gender issues, strong analytical and writing skills, and proven leadership abilities.
- Language: Proficiency in English is required for participation.
- Passion for Impact: Demonstrated commitment to improving education and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people in your community.
Benefits & Funding
- Financial Support: Fellows receive a $26,500 USD stipend and full expense coverage. This includes round-trip airfare, visa fees, single-occupancy housing, and health insurance.
- Professional Development: Intensive leadership training and mentorship through Brookings’ workshops and advisory sessions. Scholars learn best practices for policy analysis, strategic communication, and impact planning.
- Research & Publication: You will work with CUE researchers to develop a unique research project on education and gender. The fellowship provides resources to publish policy briefs or commentaries on Brookings’ multimedia platforms.
- Networking: Engage with global experts, policy-makers, and an alumni network of 48+ scholars from 25 countries. Brookings facilitates symposiums and meetings that expand your professional network across the education sector.
- Global Exposure: Present your work at Brookings events and connect with international organizations. The program culminates in a virtual symposium on gender and education, showcasing your contributions globally.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Review criteria (education, experience, gender-focus) to ensure you meet all requirements.
- Prepare Your Documents: Update your CV/resume (include education, work history, publications, honors). (A separate cover letter is not required by Brookings.)
- Download the Application: Go to the Brookings careers portal and download the Echidna Global Scholars application form.
- Write Your Proposal: Complete the written questionnaire and develop a 3–5 page research proposal. Your proposal should outline a project to improve education outcomes for girls or gender-diverse youth in your context.
- Submit Online: Upload your CV and the completed application (questionnaire + proposal) to the Brookings iCIMS application system. Use the prescribed file naming format.
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure all materials are submitted by December 15, 2025. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
- Interview & Selection: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in early 2026. Final decisions are announced by March 2026.
Application Deadline
Deadline to apply: December 15, 2025. The application portal closes at midnight (Eastern Time) on this date. Plan your timeline accordingly and submit well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Tips for Applicants
- Start Early: Draft your proposal and questionnaire well before the deadline to refine your ideas.
- Focus on Impact: Clearly explain how your work will tangibly improve girls’ learning or gender equity in education. Concrete goals and local context make your application stand out.
- Highlight Leadership: Describe past projects or roles where you led initiatives or influenced policy. Show evidence of your ability to drive change in education.
- Use Data & Examples: Support your proposal with facts, figures, and outcomes from your previous work. Demonstrating results strengthens your case.
- Connect to the Fellowship: Emphasize how the Brookings leadership training and global platform will help you scale your impact. Show alignment with the program’s goals.
- Seek Feedback: Have a colleague or mentor review your materials for clarity and impact. Also prepare for the virtual info session (Oct 22) to get insider tips from organizers.
- Stay Professional: Write clearly and proofread carefully. Proficiency in English is required, so ensure your answers are well-edited.
- Explore Resources: Review [related fellowship guides] or alumni stories on our site for inspiration.
Conclusion
The Echidna Global Scholars Program 2026 is a fully-funded global opportunity to elevate your career and accelerate progress for girls’ education. By joining Brookings, you’ll gain invaluable leadership training, research resources, and a network of changemakers dedicated to gender equality. If you are passionate about education reform and ready to expand your impact, this program could be a life-changing step. Share this fellowship with colleagues and mentors who are making a difference in education. Your commitment and unique perspective could transform education systems – don’t let this chance pass you by.
FAQs:
What is the Echidna Global Scholars Program?
A fully funded visiting fellowship at Brookings for mid-career education and development leaders from the Global South, focused on gender-transformative education.
Who is eligible to apply?
Mid-career professionals with a Master’s degree and 10+ years’ experience in education, development, or related fields, with strong ties to a Global South country and commitment to girls’ education.
What does “fully funded” mean?
Recipients get full financial support: a $26,500 stipend plus travel, visa, housing and health insurance are covered during the fellowship.
How long is the fellowship?
Six months in total (about 2 months remote pre-residency + 4 months at Brookings in Washington, D.C.), followed by two years of alumni-network support.
When is the application deadline?
For the 2026 program, the application deadline is December 15, 2025 (no late submissions accepted).
What documents are required?
You need to submit a CV/resume and the completed Echidna application form (which includes a written questionnaire and a 3–5 page research proposal). Letters of recommendation and transcripts are not required.
Apply now and take the first step toward becoming a global changemaker!
