Global Policy Fellowship
Empowering Emerging Leaders in Diplomacy and Global Action
Are you passionate about addressing critical global challenges and driving transformative change? The Global Policy Fellowship at Teachers College, Columbia University (TC) is a prestigious initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in global policy and diplomacy.
Open to TC’s students from diverse disciplines, the program offers immersive training and placement opportunities in areas such as education policy, international development, human rights, climate change, global health, and gender equity, arts, and more. Fellows gain direct exposure to the policymaking ecosystem, working alongside United Nations affiliates, committees, subcommittees, and member-state missions to transform research into actionable proposals that can influence international decision-making.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Applicants must be current Teachers College students in good academic standing.
-
Students must demonstrate a strong interest in global policy, diplomacy, education, or international development.
-
Interdisciplinary backgrounds are welcome; fellows will be paired with faculty mentors across thematic areas such as education for peace, education in emergencies, sustainable development, and arts in global policy.
-
Applicants must plan to graduate in 2027 or later to ensure full participation in the program cycle.
-
Prior international experience is not required, but evidence of leadership potential, academic rigor, and commitment to cross-cultural collaboration is expected.
The deadline for applications is November 25, 2025, at 11:59pm EST.
Please contact the Consortium for Diplomacy and Global Action (CDGA) or the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) with any specific inquiries regarding this fellowship: cgda@tc.columbia.edu. / globalengagement@tc.columbia.edu.
What You Will Gain
- Hands-on policy experience in global diplomacy, development, and advocacy.
- Direct engagement with U.N. representatives, agencies, and international policy leaders.
- Mentorship and guidance from Teachers College faculty and U.N. experts.
- Leadership skills for navigating cross-cultural, high-impact environments.
- Collaborative problem-solving through interdisciplinary, team-based projects.
- Publication opportunities, including contributions to the Reflective Global Policy Journal.
Impact on the World Stage
As a Global Policy Fellow, you will contribute directly to U.N. policy processes by bridging academic research and global practice. Your work will inform international dialogues, shape draft resolutions, and strengthen Teachers College’s leadership role in advancing education, policy innovation, and social justice.
Program Themes & Faculty Mentors
Fellows are placed in interdisciplinary teams and paired with a faculty mentor aligned to one of the following thematic areas:
- Education, Environment & Sustainable Development – Prof. Oren Pizmony-Levy
- Education in Emergencies – Prof. Mary Mendenhall
- Education for Peace – Prof. Garnett Russell
- Education & the Arts – Prof. Jeanne Goffi-Fynn
Additional guest mentors from the U.N. system and allied organizations will join to provide specialized guidance in diplomacy, advocacy, and negotiation.
Program Structure & Timeline
- November 3: Call for Applications
- November 25: Application Deadline
- December 1: Decision Notifications
- January 21 & 22: Onboarding Days
- February 2 & 3: Research-to-Policy Model United Nations Leadership Training
- Placement with U.N. agencies, missions, or affiliated bodies.
- Service on the UN Wellbeing & Education Forum Organizing Committee.
- Participation in U.N. policy sessions and consultations with stakeholders.
- Three structured meetings with TC faculty and U.N. mentors to shape a Final Proposal.
- Deliverables:
- Reflective Global Policy Journal entries analyzing policy processes.
- Final Proposal outlining a policy initiative ready for transformation into a draft resolution.
- Translation of research and proposals into a formal draft resolution.
- Workshops with U.N. experts on resolution-writing, lobbying, negotiation, and advocacy.
- Ongoing consultations with missions and agencies to build alliances.
- Fellows meet regularly with mentors to refine their resolutions and reflective journal entries.
- Deliverables:
- Reflective Global Policy Journal documenting negotiation and advocacy efforts.
- Draft Resolution informed by academic research and stakeholder engagement.
- Advocacy Strategy to navigate U.N. sponsorship and support.
- Securing at least one sponsor and one signatory for the draft resolution.
Capstone & CDGA Gala Dinner (August 15, 2025)
- Presentation of final proposals and draft resolutions to policy leaders, U.N. partners, and the TC community.
- Showcase of fellows’ contributions to international policymaking.
- Gala Dinner Celebration honoring fellows’ impact and achievements.
Why Apply?
The Global Policy Fellowship is not only a professional development opportunity—it is a platform to shape global agendas, expand your network, and leave a lasting mark on international policymaking. Fellows emerge from the program with published work, practical diplomacy experience, and global networks that position them as future leaders in academia, government, and international organizations.
Stipend and Study Abroad Scholarship
Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of $500 from January 2026 to July 2026.
Each fellow will receive a scholarship of up to $3,000 to participate in one of TC’s study abroad programs taking place between January 2026 and July 2026. The scholarship will cover the study abroad program fee for the course. In addition, fellows will receive a $500 travel stipend to help offset the cost of airfare.
Please note: if you choose to enroll in the study abroad course for academic credit, you will be responsible for the associated tuition costs.