About Babel Institute

Babel Institute is an independent, nonpartisan public policy think tank dedicated to advancing practical policy solutions to the political, economic, and social challenges facing young people around the world. Our regional studies program, which cover the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Africa, conduct research and analysis on key policy issues affecting the youth in their respective regions.

Babel Scholars Program at Babel Institute

Babel Scholars Program is a one-year fellowship that provides up to 100% tuition assistance to university students in Africa for a single academic year. Throughout the fellowship, scholars will conduct original research, receive mentorship, and participate in policy roundtables. The program is designed to support African students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their communities.

Throughout the fellowship, scholars will produce a range of written outputs that reflect analytical rigor and original thought. This includes essays that connect personal perspective to broader policy questions, as well as op-eds that offer concise, accessible arguments designed to bring youth voices into public debate. Select pieces will be edited and published in Verity Voices Journal, providing scholars with the opportunity to share their work with readers in the United States.

Babel Scholars Pilot Program in Ghana

We are looking to select three high-achieving undergraduate students in Accra, Ghana to join our inaugural cohort for the Spring 2026 academic term. We would provide each scholar with a $500 scholarship to support tuition costs for the academic term. In return, scholars would spend the term engaged with our Africa Studies Program, producing monthly written outputs, receiving mentorship from our leadership team, participating in policy roundtables with our Regional Studies Directors and Fellows in the U.S., and serving as mentors to high school students in our Emerging Leaders Program in Ghana.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research and produce articles, essays, and op-eds examining the political and socioeconomic challenges facing young people in Ghana under the guidance of the Director of Africa Studies.

• Participate in policy roundtables and cross-cultural discussions with Regional Studies Directors and Fellows in the United States.

• Attend weekly meetings and check-ins with the Program Director.

• Serve as a mentor to high school students in the Emerging Leaders Program in Ghana.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited college/university in Accra, Ghana.

• Background or demonstrated interest in African studies, international relations, political science, or public policy.

• Interested in public policy, governance, or social impact

• Demonstrated leadership or civic engagement

• Proficient in written and spoken English

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

• Receive mentorship and training in research, writing, and policy development

• Opportunity to have select written outputs edited and published in Verity Voices Journal, providing scholars with a U.S.-based platform and audience.

• Participate in policy roundtables with Babel Institute’s Regional Studies Directors and Fellows in the United States.

• Develop a clear understanding of how policy ideas are formed, debated, and refined.

• Build a professional portfolio and strengthen your credentials for graduate studies, research careers, or policy work.

Scholarship Award

Fellows will received a $500 scholarship for the Spring 2026 academic term. The scholarship is intended to support tuition costs for fellows participating in the program. Funds will be disbursed by Babel Institute in two installments. Payment details, including the method of disbursement and the recipient will be coordinated in advance with each scholar and, where applicable, their institution.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following materials to babelscholarsprogram@babelinstitute.us with the subject line: Fellow, Babel Scholars in Ghana [Your Name]

• A résumé or CV, or an official university transcript

• A brief statement of interest (150–300 words) describing your interest in the Babel Scholars Program and the issues you hope to explore through your research and writing.

Application Timeline

• Applications will close on Friday, February 23, 2026.

• Candidates whose qualifications best align with the role will be contacted beginning February 28, 2026.

• The anticipated start date for the fellowship is March 13, 2026.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected applicants will be invited to an interview. Final selections will be made by Babel Institute in consultation with the applicants’ university.