About the opportunity
The Echidna Global Scholars Program at the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution seeks to catalyze and amplify the impact of local leaders working to advance gender-transformative education across the Global South. During the six-month visiting fellowship, scholars conduct individual research focused on improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people. Fellows cultivate evidence-based policy and leadership skills, expand substantive subject expertise, and broaden pathways for local and global impact before joining the lifelong Echidna Alumni Network.
Funding and benefits
- Six-month visiting fellowship supported by Echidna Giving
- Dedicated institutional platform to conduct individual research on gender-transformative education
- Leadership and evidence-based policy skills development
- Substantive knowledge building on global education and gender equity issues
- Pathways to amplify policy impact both locally and globally
- Lifetime membership in the Echidna Alumni Network community of practice upon completion
Who can apply?
- Local leaders and practitioners working to advance gender-transformative education across the Global South
- Professionals committed to improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people
- Applicants with a clear research focus addressing systemic barriers and educational inequities
When to apply
- Virtual information session: October 21, 2026
- Application deadline: December 1, 2026
How to apply
- Register for and attend the virtual information session on October 21, 2026, to learn about program expectations
- Access the official online application portal via the Brookings career site
- Submit your complete application before the December 1, 2026 deadline
- Direct any program-related questions to echidna@brookings.edu
Additional information
- The program is based at the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution and funded through Echidna Giving.
- Since launching in 2012, the initiative has hosted 14 cohorts and maintains an active network of 48 alumni across 25 countries.
- Cohorts are intentionally small, typically selecting 3 to 4 fellows per cycle.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Established education practitioners, civil society founders, and researchers from the Global South with deep field-level experience in girls' education and gender equity.
- Leaders who want to translate grassroots educational interventions into scalable, evidence-based policy proposals.
- Professionals seeking international policy exposure and cross-border collaboration through a dedicated global think-tank network.
What should you think carefully about?
- The fellowship requires a substantial six-month commitment to complete an in-depth individual research project.
- Specific funding provisions such as stipend amounts, travel allowances, or housing arrangements are not published on the main page and should be verified during the information session or on the job portal.
- Cohort sizes are very small (historically averaging three to four fellows per year), making the selection process highly selective.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is best suited for leaders aiming to elevate their local or national education initiatives into global policy dialogue. Over six months, scholars can conduct rigorous research, publish policy papers, and leverage the Brookings platform to influence decision-makers in international education and development.
Our take
A premier opportunity for experienced Global South education advocates and researchers dedicated to gender equality. Candidates looking for degree studies or who cannot commit six months to intensive research and policy engagement should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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