WE ENGAGE BLACK GIRLS AS scholars and THEORISTS OF THEIR OWN EXPERIENCE

BLACK GIRLHOOD STUDIES FELLOWSHIP 2026 APPLICATION OVERVIEW:

• Justice for Black Girls is excited to re-open applications for the 5th cohort of the Black Girlhood Studies Fellowship, now open to Black girls enrolled at colleges and universities across the United States. In response to federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, we have expanded the fellowship to invite Black girls across the nation to join and lead this work.

  Fellowship Overview

  The Justice for Black Girls (JBG) Black Girlhood Studies Fellowship is a collective of undergraduate Black girl scholars who center Black girlhood and Black feminist theory in their research, scholarship, and work. The fellowship creates a space for Black girls to unapologetically engage the radical brilliance of leading Black girlhood studies theorists while also being affirmed as scholars and theorists of their own lived experiences. Here, Black girls are the entry point into Black girlhood studies, scholarship, and research.

  Selected Fellows become part of a growing national ecosystem of Black Girlhood Studies Fellows, forming a sisterhood of undergraduate scholars contributing to the expanding field of Black girlhood studies. The fellowship culminates at the Justice for Black Girls National Conference, where Fellows will present their final research.

  The 2026 Black Girlhood Studies Fellowship will run from April 30, 2026 through November 15, 2026. Our first session will be held virtually on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Following the welcome meeting, fellowship sessions will take place on the last Thursday of each month. Fellows will receive access to a new Google Classroom, where they will find the fellowship overview, 2026 syllabus, and full calendar.

  There will be six virtual fellowship meetings in total, followed by a live presentation at the Justice for Black Girls National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

• 2026 Fellowship Goals

  • Fellows will contribute an original research project while supporting Justice for Black Girls’ broader programming, with particular focus on the work of JBG’s Research & Education Team.

  • Fellows will present their research at the Justice for Black Girls National Conference on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Travel and lodging will be provided.

  • Fellows will connect with leading Black girlhood studies scholars, theorists, and professors while building community with other emerging leaders in Black Girlhood Studies.

  Fellowship Applicant Requirements

  Applicants must:

  • Be an undergraduate student currently enrolled at a college or university in the United States

  • Be a first-year student, sophomore, or junior at the time of application
    (Please note: the fellowship runs through Fall 2026 and concludes in November 2026. Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply.)

  • Demonstrate a strong interest in or commitment to academic work at the intersection of race, gender, and adolescence, or an established commitment to Black Girlhood Studies through original research, scholarship, work, or praxis

  • Be available to attend the fellowship’s monthly meetings held on the last Thursday of each month
    (AI does not account for attendance, and AI attendance will be recorded as an absence.)

  • Submit one original research contribution aligned with the fellowship’s mission
    (All research topics must be approved.)

  Stipend

  Each Fellow receives a $700 stipend upon completion of the fellowship, once final research projects are submitted.

  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 31, 2026 AT 11:59PMEST