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2027 Emerging Fellowship Application Collaborative Discussion Project
Posted September 28, 2026
The Interactivity Foundation brings people together in meaningful discussions that expand imagination, build social trust, and improve discussion sills necessary for everyday democracy. The Collaborative Discussion Project (CDP) Emerging Fellowship connects people who are ready to strengthen discussion and democratic engagement in their classrooms, communities, and workplaces.
Over the course of the year, each Emerging Fellow will be partnered with a Senior Fellow, who is an experienced practitioner in collaborative discussion and leader in strengthening democracy. Emerging Fellows will design and lead a project that brings collaborative discussion skills to their community of practice, supported by IF staff, mentors, and a peer cohort of other Fellows. Each Fellow will also complete a deliverable - write a piece, produce an audiovisual, or develop new curriculum that advances IF's mission. The Collaborative Discuss
Who we're looking for...
We welcome applicants of any background, age, career stage, or life path, including people returning to the workforce, changing careers, or building something entirely new. What matters most is a demonstrated commitment to collaborative discussion and strengthening democracy, as well as a genuine connection to a community where you'd like to bring these skills. We're intentionally seeking a diverse pool of Fellows across age, career background, ethnicity, gender/gender identity, political affiliation, race, religion, socioeconomic background and more.
Benefits
A $6,000 stipend (paid in three installments)
Full scholarship to CDP Coach Training ($495 value)
Travel and expenses covered for two in-person gatherings
Completion of a real world project bringing collaborative discussion skills and mindsets to a community
Co-author credit on a deliverable: written piece, new curriculum, and/or audiovisual media project
A network of mentors and peers working in collaborative discussion and strengthening democracy
Commitment
As a cohort-based fellowship, the mentorship, coach training, and peer learning are built around the group moving through this timeline together, so we are unable to accommodate partial participation or schedule exceptions. Fellows must be available for the full 2027 fellowship calendar below, including both in-person and virtual gatherings.
Jan 7-8: In-Person Fellows Launch (University of Delaware)*
Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17 Weds 12 - 3 pm Eastern: CDP Virtual Coach Training
Mar thru Oct: Monthly Virtual Meetings on first Weds 12-1pm Eastern Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6
Mar 12: Project Proposal due
July 2: Progress Report and Deliverable due
Oct 1: Final Report due
Nov 4-6: In-Person Fellows Showcase (Location TBD)
Application due dates
Nov 8, 2026: Application closes at midnight
Dec 4, 2026: Fellows notified
Dec 9, 2026: Due date to accept
Dec 15, 2026: Submit W-9 and ACH Authorization and finalize travel arrangements
