Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow

The Southern Education Foundation (SEF), based in Atlanta, Georgia, seeks highly motivated and diverse undergraduate and graduate students to join its Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI). For 158 years, SEF has made major contributions to improving education, from early childhood education through post-secondary completion. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education in the South and across our nation, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for students of color and students in low-income families. SEF pursues its mission through research, policy analysis, advocacy, leadership development, and direct services to schools.

Fellows will report to a supervisor at an assigned placement site. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org under What We Do / Leadership Development / SELI.

The Opportunity:

Launched in 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) is a unique fellowship program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in education and social justice. SELI fellows gain hands-on experience in educational equity through an eight-week summer fellowship where they are placed with organizations across the South, working on projects that promote equity and excellence in education. Candidates for the SELI Fellowship should demonstrate a strong commitment to educational equity and embody SEF’s mission and values.

As a SELI Fellow, You Will:

Develop as leaders in education and civil rights

Engage with important community stakeholders

Acquire practical job skills

Learn about contemporary education issues in the South

Fellows are placed in school districts, education agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations that focus on advocacy, policy analysis, grant-making, community organizing, and direct service. Each placement is tailored to match the fellow’s skills, interests, and developmental needs.

Program Highlights:

Stipend: Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend for living expenses, with additional financial assistance available for relocation as needed.

Travel Support: SEF covers travel expenses for orientation and closing meetings in Atlanta, as well as travel to the placement site if relocation is required.

Comprehensive Training: A three-day orientation from May 14 to May 16, 2025, in Atlanta, GA provides fellows with tools and strategies for leadership and equity work.

Fellowship Placement: Full-time, on-site placement in an organization across the southern region from May 19 to July 11, 2025, under the supervision of seasoned leaders.

Reflection and Networking: Fellows participate in a closing meeting from July 16 to July 18, 2025, in Atlanta, GA to reflect on their experiences and join a robust alumni network of over 300 SELI leaders.

Eligibility and Other Requirements:

Applicants must be between 20 and 35 years old.

Individuals must be currently enrolled in a four-year college or graduate program.

Candidates should have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours (the equivalent of junior status or above in an undergraduate program) or must be currently enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or professional program at an accredited college or university. No minimum GPA is required.

All majors are welcomed; however, candidates must demonstrate an interest in education equity and/or social justice.

Must have excellent interpersonal, writing, and critical thinking skills, with flexibility to adapt well to diverse individuals, environments, and responsibilities.

The deadline for submitting a complete application is February 3, 2025, at 5 PM ET. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Amber Davis at adavis@southerneducation.org to request an extension.

Participants are required to focus solely on assigned projects from both the placement site and SEF during the fellowship. Students will not design their projects for this experiential learning opportunity but are assigned projects by their placement site supervisor.

Must be willing to relocate to another city or town for the summer and should refrain from engaging in any coursework, test preparation, or other employment or internships throughout the summer program. Fellows are expected to fully attend both the Orientation and Closing Meeting and to be physically present at their placement site during office hours for the duration of the program.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following materials by February 3, 2025, no later than 5 PM ET:

Online application: Apply Here

Resume including education, work experience, and achievements

College transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)

Responses to Short Answer Questions included in the application

Recommendation forms from one or two professional references: Share the link to the recommendation form with recommenders directly (bit.ly/RecommendSELI). All recommendations must be submitted before the application deadline for your submission to be considered complete.

Please contact Amber Davis at adavis@southerneducation.org with questions.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline: February 3, 2025

Orientation: May 14 – 16, 2025 (Atlanta, GA)

Fellowship Placement: May 19 – July 11, 2025

Closing Meeting: July 16 – 18, 2025 (Atlanta, GA)

Join a Legacy of Change:

The SELI Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to advance educational equity while gaining invaluable professional experience. Upon completion, fellows join SEF’s prestigious alumni network, continuing their journey to create a more just and excellent education system for all.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.