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Graduate Student Programs
No matter what stage of graduate school you are in, IHS provides the connections and community to hone your research and accelerate your career.
Upcoming Events

Civic Education in Higher Ed: Trends, Institutions, and Career Implications
Zoom · Event date: September 4, 2025 · Event time:12:00–1:00 PM ET
Overview
Join us for a special online event with political philosopher Dr. Kevin Vallier as he explores the growing movement of civic education centers across the country.
In this timely webinar, Dr. Vallier will shed light on:
- The purpose and promise of civic education, and why these centers are gaining momentum in higher education
- How various centers differ in structure, mission, and approach
- Practical insights for aspiring scholars preparing for the academic job market in this evolving space
The presentation will include a brief talk followed by a live Q&A for participants in attendance. We look forward to hosting Dr. Vallier for what promises to be a thoughtful and engaging discussion on the future of civic education in American universities.

Giving an Effective Job Talk: A Graduate Workshop at APSA
Vancouver, BC · Event date: September 9–10, 2025
Overview
Are you preparing to enter the job market soon? The Institute for Humane Studies invites graduate students to attend a job market workshop in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Wednesday, September 10. Taking place just before the American Political Science Association (APSA) annual meeting, this event is designed to help participants sharpen their job talks and papers before joining the job market.
The program will kick off with a welcome dinner on the evening of Tuesday, September 9, where graduate students and faculty mentors can connect. During the workshop, senior scholars will provide feedback on both the substance of job market papers and the strength of presentations. IHS has reserved space near the APSA conference hotel for easy access, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served on the day of the workshop. Participants will also receive a $200 honorarium and a travel stipend to help offset expenses.

Entrepreneurship and Society: A Graduate Papers Workshop
Arlington, VA · Event date: September 26–27, 2025
Overview
Join the Institute for Humane Studies for a two-day, in-person graduate research workshop designed to support emerging scholars working on research at the intersection of business and society. Held September 26–27, this workshop offers PhD students the opportunity to present works in progress and receive in-depth, constructive feedback from peers and faculty observers.
We welcome research on topics such as entrepreneurship and innovation, firm behavior, market dynamics, corporate responsibility, and related themes with broader implications for policy and society. This is a unique opportunity to improve your research, engage in meaningful discussion, and build connections with a community of scholars working in applied and interdisciplinary areas of business and policy. In addition to providing a stipend to offset travel and lodging expenses, IHS will provide a $200 honorarium for full participation in the event.

Justice Reimagined: A Graduate Workshop
Arlington, VA · Event date: October 9–11, 2025
Overview
The Institute for Humane Studies, in partnership with Arnold Ventures, is offering a unique, multipart workshop series for graduate students focused on criminal justice reform. This program offers participants the opportunity to refine their research with feedback from leading faculty advisors, expand their academic networks, and gain insights into publishing.
Participants will also have the opportunity to convene together at an in-person summit in Arlington, Virginia, on October 9–11, 2025. Applicants need not have attended the online sessions to attend the in-person session. In addition to providing a hotel reservation and stipend to offset travel expenses for the in-person event, IHS will provide a $200 honorarium for full participation.
In-Person Workshop
- Thursday, October 9–Saturday, October 11
Past Online Sessions
- Monday, March 3
- Monday, March 17
- Monday, March 31
- Monday, April 14
- Monday, April 28
- Monday, May 12
- Wednesday, May 28

Evaluating State Policy: An Online Research Workshop
Zoom · Event date: November 8, 2025
Overview
Are you a graduate student or early career scholar conducting research on state-level public policy? Join the Institute for Humane Studies for “Evaluating State Policy: An Online Research Workshop,” a one-day virtual workshop on Saturday, November 8, designed to support scholars working on timely and impactful topics in state and local governance.
We welcome research on issues such as housing affordability, occupational licensing, economic mobility, labor markets, health policy, regulatory reform, education, elections, and criminal justice, as well as related areas with clear implications for state policy. Participants will receive constructive feedback on their research from experienced faculty and fellow scholars, and gain insights into effective policy research and analysis. This is a unique opportunity to sharpen your work and connect with a supportive network of peers and mentors in the policy space. All participants will receive a $200 honorarium for their time and contributions.
Junior Fellowship
Junior Fellowships are invitation-only awards that help leading graduate students commit their summer to discipline-defining research.
The Junior Fellowship Experience
01.
Engaging Events
Enjoy two weekends of collaboration and conversation with other scholars passionate about the liberal tradition.
02.
Faculty Mentorship
Faculty provide fellows with feedback on research and personalized advice for their careers.
03.
Research Funding
Fellowships include a generous stipend to help students dedicate the summer to scholarship.
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