About the opportunity
The Trinity Fellows Program at Marquette University is a 21-month fellowship that integrates graduate coursework in one of 16 eligible master’s programs with professional nonprofit experience. Fellows work 18 hours per week during the academic year and 37.5 hours per week during the summer at a Milwaukee-area nonprofit organization on substantive capacity-building projects. Alongside practical work, fellows participate in an interdisciplinary core curriculum focused on leadership, systems thinking, and social justice, while engaging with a supportive cohort and professional network.
Funding and benefits
- Full-tuition scholarship covering up to 36 graduate credits
- Living stipend of $37,812.90 paid bi-weekly throughout the fellowship
- Professional development funding of $400 per academic year
- Health insurance reimbursement of up to $400 per semester
- Milwaukee County bus pass provided each semester
- Estimated total financial support ranging from approximately $62,900 to $92,600
Who can apply?
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen Marquette University graduate program, including a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (exceptions may be considered)
- Be available to participate fully in the 21-month fellowship from late August 2027 through May 31, 2029
- Have completed a qualifying full-time service program (such as AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or Jesuit Volunteer Corps) OR at least two years of post-undergraduate full-time employment in the nonprofit sector
- Demonstrate a commitment to social and economic justice
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient
- Commit to living in the Metro-Milwaukee area during the fellowship
Required documents
- Marquette University Graduate School application
- Information regarding qualifying full-time service and/or nonprofit professional experience
- Resume (1 to 2 pages)
- Trinity Fellows personal statement (up to 1,200 words)
- Nonprofit placement questionnaire responses
- Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional or service-related)
When to apply
- Application deadline: January 15, 2027
- Finalist interviews: February
- Selection and awards notifications: March to April
- Placement matching: March to May
How to apply
- Apply to an eligible Marquette University graduate program through the online Graduate School application
- Select 'Yes' when asked if applying to the Trinity Fellows Program to waive the Graduate School application fee
- Complete the additional Trinity Fellows application requirements within the graduate application portal, including the personal statement, resume, experience details, and placement questions
- Arrange for the submission of two letters of recommendation
Additional information
- A program participation fee of $625 per semester ($2,500 total across four semesters) applies.
- Eligible graduate programs include Accounting, Applied Economics, Applied Psychology Data Analytics, Business Administration, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Communication, Corporate Communication, Criminal Justice Data Analytics, English, History, International Affairs, Management, Philosophy (Social and Applied Philosophy specialization), Political Science, Public Service, and Theology.
- Applicants whose service or nonprofit experience has been affected by federal funding cuts since January 2025 are encouraged to apply and include a brief explanation in their application.
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…
- Professionals with a background in full-time volunteering or nonprofit work looking to bridge field experience with graduate education.
- Individuals deeply committed to social justice, community engagement, and urban development in Milwaukee.
- Applicants seeking significant financial coverage, including full tuition and a living stipend, while earning a master's degree.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to the Metro-Milwaukee area is mandatory for the duration of the 21-month program.
- The fellowship requires a firm, full-time commitment combining demanding graduate coursework with 18 to 37.5 weekly hours of professional placement work.
- Participants are responsible for a program participation fee of $2,500 total over four semesters.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program is well-suited for individuals seeking to combine graduate studies with direct, mission-driven professional experience in the nonprofit sector. It offers a structured pathway to gain practical skills, build a local professional network, and advance academic credentials without incurring heavy tuition debt.
Our take
Candidates with a strong foundation in service or nonprofit employment who are eager to commit to a rigorous, community-embedded master's fellowship in Milwaukee should strongly consider applying by the January deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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