The liberal arts and higher education find themselves at a crossroads. Attacked by political, technical, and social phenomena, higher education has frequently responded to these fronts by moving away from its core activities. What do you think colleges ought to become in the future? What should be held onto and what needs to be created? Do you want to hone your imaginative answers to these questions by engaging in intensive research of the present and history of study and care? Would you like to conduct this research in conversation with artists, designers, journalists, and scholars?
The Aydelotte Foundation is seeking student research fellows for the next academic year, 2026-2027. Research Fellows work closely with the interim director and the Aydelotte postdoctoral fellow in social justice and technology to develop independent research projects related to the liberal arts and higher education. Research Fellows have the opportunity to engage with our current projects, including “Race, Racism, and Liberal Arts,” the “Politics of Higher Education,” and critical studies of health, technology, and higher education.
Unlike previous years, this is now a non-employment based opportunity. As a fellow, you will gain experience in being mentored within a research-based organization. As you develop an independent research project, you will build an understanding of how the liberal arts functions at Swarthmore and institutions like it, as well as at higher education institutions different from Swarthmore. Aydelotte fellows have worked on projects including the history of FLI students at Swarthmore; the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action; undergraduate labor unions; and college sexual health programs.
Research Fellows should be able to provide evidence of creativity, working to deadlines, independent thinking, and well-developed research skills in one or more disciplines. Facility with social media platforms, video and audio editing, podcasting, web development, publicity and events management, and/or general programming skills is welcome but not required. Research Fellows should be students in their third or fourth year of study at Swarthmore College.
The fellowship includes a stipend of up to $1,500 per semester during the academic year. Please note that academic year fellowships may impact students’ financial aid packages. Students who receive financial aid should contact the Financial Aid office to find out whether and how this award will impact their aid package.
Applications are due by Wednesday, May 13, 2026. APPLY HERE
To apply you’ll need:
- A one page letter describing one’s interest in becoming a student research fellow.
- A one page resume illustrating skills, background, and experience as it relates to the fellowship
Please combine the letter and resume into a single PDF and name it LastName_FirstName_Aydelotte
Questions? Contact Kati Gegenheimer, Administrative Assistant for the Aydelotte Foundation, at kgegenh1@swarthmore.edu
