Klau Institute Civil and Human Rights Leadership Program

Experiential learning at its most powerful is more than just time spent out of the classroom.

It provides you with a vital connection between ideas and the lives affected by them. With support from the Thomas and Michelle Melsheimer Fellows Initiative, the Klau Institute Civil and Human Rights Leadership Program is designed to offer undergraduate students this important opportunity.

This 2-year experiential program is open to rising sophomores and juniors. Each cohort will become deeply involved in the life of the Klau Institute, its faculty, and other students with significant interest in civil and human rights. Those selected for the program will become Melsheimer Fellows of the institute.

Program Design

In the first year, fellows receive a $1000 stipend and placement, arranged by the Klau Institute, in a community partner organization dedicated to civil and human rights. Opportunities may include local government reparations research, migration and refugee legal assistance, or civil rights community education.

In the second year, fellows may choose one of two paths. They will be offered the opportunity to continue their community placements with a stipend or work as paid research assistants for the Klau Institute or with Klau-affiliated faculty.

Throughout their engagement as Melsheimer Fellows, students will enjoy monthly social, educational, and enrichment opportunities with Klau-affiliated faculty and their cohort.

Application Process

Fellows will be selected by the Klau Institute upon application to the program. Interested rising sophomores and juniors may apply below. The deadline for the 2024-2026 cohort is Friday, April 5, 2024. Selections will be announced by April 12, 2024.

Apply Here