The James Madison Graduate Fellowship was established to honor the legacy of James Madison and strengthen education in American constitutional principles.
It supports individuals pursuing a master’s degree with a concentration on the U.S. Constitution—its origins, development, and contemporary relevance.
This prestigious fellowship empowers teachers and future educators to deepen their constitutional knowledge and deliver informed civic instruction in secondary schools (grades 7–12).
Fellows not only gain advanced academic training but also contribute meaningfully to the future of American democracy.
Summary of the James Madison Graduate Fellowship 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | United States |
| Fellowship Type | Graduate Fellowship |
| Sponsor | James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (JMMFF) |
| Value of Award | Up to $24,000 (max $12,000 per academic year) |
| Eligible Degree | Master’s in American History, Government, or Education |
| Application Deadline | March 2, 2026 |
| Who Can Apply | U.S. citizens pursuing or planning to teach grades 7–12 |
| Target Fields | American History, Government, or Civics |
About the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (JMMFF) was created by Congress in 1986 to improve the teaching of the U.S. Constitution in secondary schools.
It is an independent agency of the Executive Branch and receives funding from both Congress and private contributions.
The Foundation operates from its office in Alexandria, Virginia, with a mission to foster constitutional understanding among young Americans through support for exceptional teachers.
Benefits of the James Madison Graduate Fellowship
- Maximum Award: $24,000, spread across the duration of the graduate program.
- Annual Cap: Funding cannot exceed $12,000 in a single academic year.
- Covered Costs: Tuition, required fees, books, and room/board (if applicable).
- Usage Restriction: Funds are only for the required credits needed to complete the qualifying degree.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or expect to complete one by August 31, 2026).
- Be a current or prospective teacher of American history, government, or civics at the secondary school level (grades 7–12).
- Compete only with candidates from the same U.S. state of legal residence.
Fellowship Obligations
After completing the funded master’s program, recipients must:
- Teach American history, government, or civics in grades 7–12.
- Fulfil one year of teaching for every year of financial support received.
- Ideally, serve in the same state from which they were selected.
Application Deadline
March 2, 2026
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants can apply via the official application portal:
For more information, visit the James Madison Memorial Fellowship official website.
FAQs
Can I apply if I am still completing my bachelor’s degree?
Yes. You are eligible if you will earn your bachelor’s degree no later than August 31, 2026.
What kind of master’s programs are eligible?
You must pursue a master’s degree that includes a constitutional focus, such as:
- Master of Arts in American History or Political Science
- Master of Education with a concentration in Constitutional Studies
Is the fellowship open to private school teachers?
Yes. The program is open to both public and private secondary school educators.
Can I study at any university?
Yes, as long as the university is regionally accredited and the program meets the fellowship’s constitutional study requirement.
What happens if I don’t fulfil the teaching obligation?
Recipients who fail to meet the required teaching commitment may be required to repay the fellowship funds received.
Is there an age limit for applying?
No, there is no age restriction to apply for the James Madison Graduate Fellowship.
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