Applications Invited for Echidna Global Scholars Program 2026

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About the Organization

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to conduct in-depth, nonpartisan research to improve policy and governance at local, national, and global levels.

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.

The mission of the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at Brookings is to transform education systems so they are adaptable and responsive, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, develops the skills they need to thrive. We work in partnership with educators, policymakers, communities, young people, and others across the globe to advance research, develop practical tools, and create spaces and mechanisms for sustained dialogue, transformative learning, and cohesive action in support of inclusive, equitable, high-quality, and contextually relevant learning.

About the Fellowship

The Echidna Global Scholars Program at the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at Brookings seeks to catalyze and amplify the impact of local leaders working to advance gender-transformative education across the Global South. During a six-month fellowship, Echidna Global Scholars conduct individual research focused on improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people, develop their leadership and evidence-based policy skills, build substantive knowledge on gender and global education issues, and expand their pathways for impact. Upon completion of the fellowship, scholars transition to the Echidna Alumni Network, a growing community of practice aimed at promoting their significant, sustained, and collective influence on gender-transformative education globally and locally. Since its inception in 2012, the Echidna Global Scholars Program has hosted 14 cohorts of fellows and currently supports an alumni network of 44 scholars from 25 different countries. This program is made possible by the generous contribution of Echidna Giving.

The Echidna Global Scholars fellowship consists of three distinct phases:

• Pre-residency (in home country): With the support from the Center for Universal Education (CUE), scholars begin an intensive period of in-country data collection and analysis, accompanied by a series of virtual workshops, group working meetings, and individual advisory sessions. Scholars are introduced to the leadership concepts and tools that will be the focus of the leadership development program throughout the fellowship and begin developing their impact strategy—identifying and engaging with local stakeholders from their home country.
• Residency (Washington, D.C.): Scholars focus on expanding reach and impact through publication and dissemination of their research on Brookings’ multimedia platforms, strategic impact capacity building, leadership development, and networking. The residency phase is designed to help scholars strengthen their impact by teaching best practices for analyzing, communicating, and leveraging research for policy and key audiences, as well as expanding scholars’ networks and promoting visibility through Brookings convenings and strategic collaborations—culminating in a virtual symposium on gender equality in and through education research and policy.
• Post-residency (in home country): During the two-year post-residency period, the CUE team provides targeted support to alumni as they implement impact plans that build off their research. Through strategic advisement, group working meetings, and leadership development support, scholars leverage the knowledge, skills, and connections built throughout the fellowship to catalyze change in their local contexts.

Eligibility

Echidna Global Scholars entering the fellowship are mid-career leaders with experience in and a demonstrated commitment to improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people in and through education in the Global South.

Specific criteria for eligibility:

• Substantial experience in, ties to, and a clear intent to return to a country in the Global South.
• Background in education, development, public policy, economics, or a related social sciences or humanities area; a Master’s degree (or higher) is required.
• 10+ years of professional experience in research/academia, nongovernmental, community, or civil society organizations, or government.
• An intimate understanding of education development issues and gender.
• Ability to collaborate with others, openness to give and receive feedback, and capacity and desire to learn with speed and flexibility.
• All Echidna Global Scholars must demonstrate proficiency in English.

In addition to a cover letter and CV, all applicants answer a questionnaire and submit a 3-5 page proposal for a uniquely developed research project designed to increase the evidence base and improve learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people in their countries.

How to Apply

The application for the 2026 Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship is now open. Apply by December 15.

Start your application

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Tags Education and Education Technology (edtech) Skill Development Research Leadership Others