ACLS Graduate Internships 2027 in USA

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) invites doctoral students researching religion and spirituality to apply for its 2027 Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, this paid summer initiative places PhD students with mission-driven organizations where they apply scholarly expertise to real-world challenges. Applications close on 13 January 2027 at 5:00 PM ET.

What the Program Offers

Selected fellows receive substantial financial support and professional development:

• $15,500 stipend for in-person placements
• $14,250 stipend for remote placements
• Up to $2,000 relocation assistance for in-person fellows
• Nine-week internship beginning June 2027
• Required seminar on 19–20 August 2027
• Virtual programming during the 2027–2028 academic year

Awardees must remain fully available throughout the internship and free from competing obligations including coursework, teaching assignments, or graduate assistantships.

Available Internship Opportunities

Applicants may apply for up to two positions, each requiring a separate tailored cover letter:

• Quaker Action for Migrant Justice: migration advocacy and community-centered justice
• Muslim Spiritual Infrastructure in Minnesota: community development and institutional support
• Anatomy of Spiritually-Rooted Social Change: spirituality in social movements
• AI for Interfaith Literacy and Dialogue: artificial intelligence supporting religious literacy
• Workplace Religious Inclusion: religious diversity and organizational culture
• Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women: public scholarship and historical research
• Assessment of Pastoral Care Impact: effectiveness of pastoral care in healthcare
• Support for Jackson’s Youth with Faith Communities: strengthening youth support networks
• Enriching Public Understanding of Religion: journalism and media engagement
• Religion Journalism for the Public Good: public communication and religion reporting

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Be current PhD students enrolled at a U.S. institution
• Remain enrolled through the internship period
• Not anticipate graduation before May 2028
• Hold research or dissertation topics related to religion, spirituality, or faith and society

Eligible disciplines span humanities and social sciences including religious studies, history, anthropology, sociology, political science, philosophy, and ethnic studies. Certain professional and applied fields remain ineligible, including business, law, journalism, public health, and social work.

Required Application Materials

Prepare the following documents:

• Completed online application form
• Tailored cover letter addressed to the host organization (maximum one page, Arial or Helvetica 11-point font)
• Resume of no more than two pages
• Contact information for one professional reference

No recommendation letters are required or accepted.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Conclusion

This program bridges academic scholarship and practical community work, exposing doctoral students to career pathways beyond traditional academia. Fellows gain hands-on experience, expand professional networks, and translate research skills into measurable impact within nonprofits, healthcare, journalism, and interfaith initiatives. For PhD candidates studying religion, this internship offers a rare chance to test alternative career paths while receiving generous financial support.

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