DescriptionThe Levitt Research Fellows Program provides funding for Hamilton students who in collaboration with a faculty member wish to spend the summer engaged in public scholarship that leads to a deeper understanding of complex social problems. 

Students selected for the program will receive a $525/week stipend for up to 10 weeks. Summer Research Fellows will be required to work on their project on a full-time basis for for the duration of their project. Applications from all students are welcome; however, the Levitt Council gives preference to rising juniors and seniors.  Strong proposals will align with a student's educational goals, serve as a pathway to further research, and support the Levitt Center's focus on developing the knowledge and skills to understand and address persistent social problems.  

Levitt Fellowships are competitive and students should work closely with their faculty research advisor to be certain that their projects are well-thought out, manageable, and focused.  

There are two deadlines for the Levitt Fellows Program: a pre-application deadline and the regular application deadline.  The pre-application deadline was January 23, 2026.  The regular application deadline is  February 8, 2026. 

To learn more about the Fellows Program and the application process, including information on previous research projects, please visit our Levitt Faculty-Student Research  page. 

 

If you have any questions, please email levitt@hamilton.edu.

 
QualificationsApplications from all students are welcome; however, the Levitt Council gives preference to rising juniors and seniors.  Strong proposals will align with a student's educational goals, serve as a pathway to further research, and support the Levitt Center's focus on developing the knowledge and skills to understand and address persistent social problems.  Levitt Fellowships are competitive and students should work closely with their faculty research advisor to be certain that their projects are well-thought out, manageable, and focused. 

The Council will use the following rubric when evaluating applications for summer research (each criterion is equally weighted and rated on a scale of 1-5).  Items 1 and 2 will serve as threshold criteria.  Any proposal that receives an average score of 2 or below on either of these two items will not receive further consideration. 


- Project Design: The proposal provides clear and reasonable methods and processes for completing the project.

- Timeline Feasibility: The proposal provides a clear description of the project tasks and a reasonable timeline for their completion.

- Academic Merit: The proposal provides a clear background, a description of the research questions, and the goals of the project.

- Project Relevance: The proposal addresses a timely issue relevant to public affairs or social innovation.

- Preparation: The transcript and other materials provide evidence that the student has the appropriate academic background to complete the project and that the research is related to their academic experience.

- Letter of Support: The letter demonstrates faculty support and continuing mentorship during the duration of the research.

- Proposal Quality:  the proposal is well-written and organized. 

Application InstructionsThe regular application deadline is February 8, 2026.  Once you have completed the pre-application, you will be asked, among other things, to upload your detailed proposal, transcript, and your advisor's letter of recommendation. The Levitt Center will not accept any regular applications from students who do not meet the pre-application deadline.

If you have any questions, please email levitt@hamilton.edu.