The Fellowship at a Glance

The DSJ Fellowship supports three fellows per cohort — BSW and MSW students, including on-campus and global campus students — in carrying out community-engaged, inquiry-based social justice projects with the guidance of a faculty mentor, across three consecutive semesters. Fellows attend monthly DSJ Committee meetings and engage fully across all three phases of the fellowship.

Applications

Applications are accepted once per year during the spring semester. The application window for the2026-2027 cohort has closed. Details for the 2027-2028 cohort will be made available in Spring 2027.

Stipend

Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend distributed across three semesters, including $500 designated specifically for project-related expenses.

Your Project

Fellowship projects are community-engaged and inquiry-based by design.

• Community-engaged means your work is connected to real communities, organizations, or issues — not just academic in nature.
• Inquiry-based means you’re asking a genuine question and following where it leads, rather than starting with predetermined answers.

Projects are entirely student-led — you set the direction and drive the work. You don’t need a finished plan to apply; curiosity and commitment matter most.

The Year, Phase by Phase

Fellows should expect to dedicate time equivalent to a typical course each phase — enough to make meaningful progress without losing momentum.

• 1

  Summer — Planning

  This phase is about laying the groundwork. You’ll meet with the DSJ Committee Chair for orientation, connect with your mentor, clarify your project focus, identify relevant resources or community partners, and build a realistic plan for the year. Summer is prime project time — with fewer competing demands, fellows are encouraged to use it well.

• 2

  Fall — Implementation

  This is the doing phase. You’ll move your project forward — gathering information, engaging with community partners, and making meaningful progress. Your mentor provides guidance throughout, and you’ll check in with the Committee Chair at the start of the semester and again after midterms.

• 3

  Spring — Dissemination

  Fellows share their work in two ways: a presentation to the full School of Social Work faculty, and at least one conference or other public dissemination opportunity. Additional dissemination opportunities are encouraged as they arise. You’ll check in with the Committee Chair after winter break and again between midterms and finals.

Check-ins & Committee Meetings

Fellows meet with the DSJ Committee Chair at least five times throughout the year, beginning with a summer orientation and continuing at key points each semester. Fellows also attend monthly DSJ Committee meetings throughout the fellowship period and are encouraged to be an active voice in the committee’s ongoing work.

Your Mentor

Each fellow is matched with a faculty mentor who serves as a thought partner, guide, and advocate throughout the year. Your mentor will help you identify relevant resources and connect you to them when needed, navigate challenges, and keep your project moving. Fellows and mentors meet at least once a month, with additional contact based on project needs and mutual availability.

What It Takes to Succeed

Questions?

Contact the DSJ Committee Chair, Angelina Valdespino, at amvaldes@nmsu.edu