Funds permitting, more than one fellowship may be awarded in jurisdictions with larger populations. U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who demonstrate a commitment to civic responsibilities and to professional and collegial activities and who qualify for admission with graduate standing at an accredited university that offers a qualifying master's degree program are eligible to apply. Qualifying master's degrees include a Master of Arts in American history or political science, a Master of Arts in Teaching in history or social studies, or a related master's degree in education that permits a concentration in American history, American government, or social studies. The university chosen for graduate study must offer courses, graduate seminars or opportunities for independent study in topics directly related to the framing and history of the U.S. Constitution. A content degree such as a Master of Arts in American history or political science is preferred to a Master of Arts in Teaching or a Master of Education.
Applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence.
There are two types of fellowships to recognize the different challenges and circumstances between those without teaching experience and those who are currently teaching who seek to pursue graduate study. Junior fellowships are awarded to outstanding college seniors and college graduates without teaching experience who intend to become secondary school teachers of American history, American government and social studies in grades 7-12. Junior Fellows must complete graduate study within 2 academic years of full-time study.