Purpose
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 for the purpose of improving teaching about the United States Constitution in secondary schools. The Foundation is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the federal government. Funding for the Foundation's programs comes from Congress and general contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.

The James Madison Fellowships were created to honor Madison's legacy and Madisonian principles by providing support for graduate study that focuses on the Constitution -- its history and contemporary relevance to the practices and policies of democratic government. Fellowship recipients have a unique opportunity to strengthen their research, writing and analytical skills. In the process, they form professional ties that can significantly influence their career aspirations. Fellows gain a deeper understanding of the principles of constitutional government which they in turn transmit to their students. In this way the James Madison Fellowships ensure that the spirit and practical wisdom of the Constitution will guide the actions of future generations of American citizens.

Details
Junior Fellowships are awarded to U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals who are about to complete, or have completed, their undergraduate course of study and plan to begin graduate work on a full-time basis. They are intended exclusively for those coursework leading to a Master's degree in one of the following disciplines: Master of Arts (MA) in American history or in political science (also referred to as "government and politics" or as "government"); Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) concentrating on either American Constitutional history (in a history department) or American government, political institutions, and political theory (in a political science department); Master of Education (MEd) or the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Education with a concentration in American history or American government, political institutions and political theory.

Junior Fellows have two years to complete their degrees, and they may attend any accredited institution of higher education in the United States. The Fellow's proposed plan of graduate study should contain substantial constitutional coursework. Fellows are encouraged to choose institutions that offer courses that closely examine the origins and development of the U.S. Constitution, the evolution of political theory and constitutional law, the effects of the Constitution on society and culture in the United States, or other such topics directly related to the Constitution. Whatever institution and whichever degree a Fellow selects, at least 12 semester credits (or 18 quarter credits) of constitutional study must be part of the Fellow's program. Six of these semester credits will be earned at Georgetown University by the Fellow at the Foundation's Summer Institute on the Constitution.

The maximum amount of each award is $24,000, prorated over the individual period of study. Fellowships payments cover the actual costs of tuition, required fees, books, and room and board but cannot exceed $12,000 per academic year. Normally, Fellows receive less than these maximum amounts.

Fellows must intend to use their graduate degree to become a teacher of American history, American government, or social studies at the secondary school level (grades 7-12), and to fulfill a service requirement of one year minimum. Failure to complete the program requirements in a timely manner will necessitate repayment to the Foundation of all funds paid to the Fellow or on his or her behalf, plus interest.

For more information on the fellowships visit the James Madison Graduate Fellowships on the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation website at:

http://www.jamesmadison.com/.