Duke Cook Center 2026 Summer Research Fellowships: Apply Now
Duke University students interested in tackling social inequality have a great chance this summer. The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity offers 2026 Summer Research Fellowships. These programs let both graduate and undergraduate students join real research projects on topics like education, health, and justice.
Research Focus at the Cook Center
The Cook Center studies how systems create inequality in society. Its main areas cover educational and economic chances, health fairness, prison reform, and policy work. Fellows use data and new methods to explore these issues. They work with teams that include professors, postdocs, and other students. This setup helps everyone learn from each other and build skills.
Graduate students often guide undergrads while getting advice from experts. The goal is to create strong researchers who can lead in the future. By joining, students see how research shapes policies and programs that fight inequality.
Benefits for Fellows
These fellowships come with real rewards. Graduate fellows get a stipend of $10,625 for the summer. Undergrads receive $2,500 per term, or up to $5,000 for both terms. Everyone gains one-on-one mentoring from top scholars.
Participants handle tasks like gathering data, reviewing studies, analyzing results, and sharing findings. They build skills in stats, teamwork, project planning, and clear writing. Networking happens through meetings and events with experts from many fields. Fellows may even showcase their work on the Cook Center site, boosting their profiles.
Undergrads learn advanced methods, while grads practice leading teams. These experiences prepare students for jobs in research, policy, teaching, or justice work.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility rules keep things straightforward.
For Graduate Fellows:
- Current Duke PhD students in good standing.
- Enrolled for Fall 2026.
- Need to check with your department on summer funding.
For Undergraduate Fellows:
- Current Duke students enrolled for Fall 2026.
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
All applicants must care about social equity research. They need to join biweekly meetings and help with projects all summer.
How to Apply
Start by visiting the Cook Center website to download the right form for grads or undergrads. Gather your CV, a statement on your research interests, and recommendation letters into one PDF. Follow the site’s steps to submit.
Key dates include priority deadline on March 31, 2026, and rolling apps until April 30, 2026, if spots remain. Check the official page at cookcenter.duke.edu for details and to apply. This program builds skills and connections that last a career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for graduate fellowships at the Cook Center?
Current Duke PhD students in good standing, enrolled for Fall 2026, who check with their department on summer funding.
What stipends do fellows receive?
Graduate fellows get $10,625 for the summer. Undergrads receive $2,500 per term or up to $5,000 for both terms.
What tasks do fellows handle?
Fellows gather data, review studies, analyze results, share findings, and attend biweekly meetings.
What are the application deadlines and how to apply?
Priority deadline is March 31, 2026, with rolling apps until April 30, 2026. Visit cookcenter.duke.edu, download the form, submit CV, statement, and letters as one PDF.