Empowering Future Scholars with ACLS Graduate Internships
Program Will Offer Summer Internships and Professional Development Support for Emerging Scholars of Religion.
The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative: the Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program. This initiative is designed to create practical opportunities for talented PhD students in humanities and social sciences, particularly those focusing on religion. The internships, set for summer 2026, are aimed at fostering future leaders equipped with substantial knowledge about the evolving American religious landscape.
Applications Now Open for Summer Internships
Talented doctoral students whose research pertains to the study of religion are encouraged to apply. Applications are currently being accepted, with submissions required by 9:00 PM EDT on a designated January date. This competitive program not only offers internships but also encourages partnerships between fellows and sponsoring organizations, enhancing their understanding and skills.
Gain Practical Experience
Throughout the nine-week, full-time internships, participants will immerse themselves in real-world projects that apply their academic knowledge in practical settings. Additionally, interns will be engaged in cohort-based learning experiences and workshops following their internships, enabling them to continue building their professional networks and skills.
What to Expect from the Internship
Interns will receive stipends of $14,000 for remote projects and $15,400 for onsite work, with potential relocation funding as needed. Through this innovative approach, fellows will not only contribute their unique perspectives to host organizations but will also broaden their own skills in writing, project management, and cultural competency.
Partnerships with Nonprofit Organizations
This year's program stands out as ACLS has teamed up with ten nonprofit organizations that are set to host the summer internships. These partnerships provide a rich environment for interns to combine their academic insights with practical experience. Some of the organizations involved include American Friends Service Committee, Coalition for Spiritual Leadership, and Council on American-Islamic Relations among others.
Criteria for Applicants
Applicants should be current PhD students from humanities or social science departments within the United States, focusing on the study of religion. Students can be in any discipline within the broader scope of humanities or humanistic social sciences. It is crucial that all applicants are actively enrolled and can commit to the nine-week internship during the summer of 2026.
Support and Opportunities Available
The Templeton Religion Trust (TRT) supports this program as part of a broad initiative to Develop the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future. By merging academic scholarship with real-world application, the internship program allows participants to play a significant role in shaping the future of religious engagement and discourse.
About ACLS and Its Mission
Founded over a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies is a prominent nonprofit organization comprising 81 scholarly groups. By advocating for the value of knowledge and scholarship, ACLS plays a crucial role in enriching scholarly research while promoting diversity within academia. The mission of ACLS embodies the core strength of diversity and inclusive knowledge-sharing, reinforcing the significance of research in bettering society as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ACLS Graduate Internship Program?
The program aims to provide practical work opportunities for PhD students in fields related to the study of religion, supporting their professional and personal growth while addressing contemporary spiritual issues.
Who can apply for the internships?
Current PhD students from humanities or social science departments whose research focuses on religion are eligible to apply for these graduate internships.
How long do the internships last?
The internships will last for nine weeks during the summer of 2026.
What types of organizations are involved in the internship program?
ACLS partners with various nonprofit organizations, providing fellows with unique opportunities to engage in impactful work that aligns with their research and academic interests.
How much will interns be compensated?
Interns will receive a stipend of $14,000 for remote projects and $15,400 for onsite internships, along with potential relocation support if necessary.
