Religious Liberty Fellows

What is the Religious Liberty Fellowship?

The Religious Liberty Fellowship is a one-of-a-kind training program on religious liberty issues and advocacy. Top religious freedom scholars, litigators, and policymakers provide hands-on training during the Fellowship, with fellows developing individualized action plans to implement in their own communities.  During the program, fellows build their knowledge of the law and religious freedom initiatives and receive instruction on current issues and litigation, interacting with religious freedom experts and legal practitioners throughout the program.  

Following the program, Fellows report back on the implementation of their action plans and receive feedback from the program's volunteer directors, Tanner Bean and Annika Boone Barkdull.

Where is the Fellowship held? 

The Fellowship is held at the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

When is the Fellowship held? How long does the Fellowship last?

The Fellowship is held annually in late May or June, and is a five-day program (Monday - Friday).

Who can apply to attend the Fellowship? 

The following individuals are welcome to apply to attend the Fellowship:

• Current and prospective law students

• Recent law school graduates

• Graduate students from other fields

• Undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in the area of religious freedom

Does it cost money to attend the Fellowship? Is finanical assistance available for the Fellowship?

Applicants accepted to attend will be provided meals and lodging during the Fellowship, free of charge, at the Founding Forward campus.  Participants are required to arrange and pay for their own transportation to and from the campus.  Some financial assistance may be provided to participants to help offset a portion of their travel costs.  Information about the financial assistance will be available during the Fellowship application process.

When can I apply for the 2026 Fellowship? 

Applications for the 2026 JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship will be available in August/September 2025! 

How can I learn more about the Fellowship?

To learn more about the Fellowship, click on the links below:

• Fellowship Brochure 

• Blog Article on the 2025 Fellowship

• Students Perspective on the Fellowship

• Email the Fellowship Administrator, Amy Parker