BBQ+ Academic Fellowship 2026

The Center for Black, Brown, and Queer Studies is currently accepting applications for its BBQ+ Academic Fellowship 2026. This fellowship is supported by the Mellon Foundation and aims to foster interdisciplinary research, pedagogy, and mentorship in critical race, Indigenous, postcolonial, and queer studies.

📖 About The Fellowship

The Center for Black, Brown, and Queer Studies (BBQ+) is an independent center dedicated to creating a collaborative and supportive environment for scholars working across diverse fields. The fellowship brings together undergraduates, postgraduates, and postdoctoral scholars to engage in interdisciplinary research and mentorship.

🎁 Benefits

The fellowship offers the following benefits:

1. Research Stipend:

   • College students: $1,000
   • Master’s students/Early PhD students: $2,000
   • Advanced PhD students: $5,000
   • Recent postdoctoral scholars: $10,000

   Fellows may also apply to reimburse other research or professionalization expenses. If you have another source of funding and can waive the stipend, please indicate so in your application.

2. Mentorship and Professionalization:

   • Fellows work closely with mentors to develop their research projects and prepare for professional careers.
   • Access to the broader network of the Center and Senior Fellows is provided.

3. Community:

   • The fellowship fosters a tightly-knit, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary community of scholars with shared academic interests.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is designed for underrepresented scholars, broadly and intersectionally defined. It is open to:

• College students (including community college students):

  • Early college students (Sophomores and Juniors) interested in developing independent research skills in the humanities.
  • Seniors and recent graduates interested in developing their research and/or applying to graduate programs.

• Master’s students and recent Master’s degree holders (up to 3 years post-degree).

• Ph.D., Ed.D., and other doctoral students.

• Recent postdoctoral scholars (up to 8 years post-degree).

📝 Application Process

Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter (1 page):

   • Explain how the fellowship year will impact your work.

2. Research Proposal (1-2 pages, double-spaced):

   • Describe your research interests and the project you plan to work on during the fellowship year.
   • Specify the stage of your project.
   • For undergraduate students: Indicate your interest or plans for graduate studies and research areas of interest.

3. Curriculum Vitae.

4. Writing Sample:

   • Academic writing of continuous prose, at least 8 pages (no maximum).

📅 Application Deadline

01 May, 2026

🌟 Opportunity Details

For more information and to apply, visit the official fellowship page:
BBQ+ Academic Fellowship Application

• Research stipend:
  • College students: $1000
  • Master’s students/Early PhD students: $2000
  • Advanced PhD students: $5000
  • Recent postdoctoral scholars: $10,000
• Mentorship and professionalization: Each cohort of fellows works closely with a mentor to develop their research project and prepare for a professional career.
• Community: The Center aims to foster a tightly-knit and supportive intergenerational and interdisciplinary community of scholars around shared academic interests.