Imagine gaining real-world research experience on social inequality while earning a summer stipend at Duke University. The 2026 Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships offer Duke students a chance to join teams studying key issues like education, health, and justice. Open to both undergrads and grads, this program builds skills and networks for careers in equity work.
What Are the 2026 Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships?
The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University runs these fellowships. They target graduate and undergraduate students who want hands-on work in research on social inequality. Fellows join projects that use data and new methods to explore systems causing unequal outcomes in society.
The center focuses on four main areas: educational and economic opportunity, health equity, carceral justice, and public policy. This setup lets students learn advanced tools and contribute to real studies. It’s a full summer commitment with team meetings every two weeks.
Your Role in the Fellowship
Fellows work in lively research teams alongside faculty, postdocs, grads, undergrads, and pros. Grads often guide undergrads, while everyone gets advice from top scholars. This builds teamwork, leadership, and a full view of how equity research happens.
You might handle data collection, review past studies, run analysis, or share findings. The goal is active involvement that sharpens your skills in methods, stats, collaboration, and sharing results. It’s a layered setup where you learn by doing and teaching.
Key Benefits for Fellows
These fellowships pack real value for your resume and growth. Here’s what stands out:
Stipends: Grads get $10,625.01 for the summer. Undergrads earn $2,500 per term, or up to $5,000 for both terms.
Mentorship: Get one-on-one help from faculty and experts to guide your career.
Hands-On Research: Work on live projects from start to finish, building practical know-how.
Skill Building: Pick up stats, project management, interdisciplinary work, and clear communication.
Networking: Connect with peers and leaders across fields for future chances.
Visibility: Share your work on the Cook Center site, boosting your profile.
Grads also develop mentoring skills, while undergrads see high-level practices up close.
Why This Program Stands Out
Inequality affects lives everywhere, and research drives change in policy and programs. These fellowships let you dig into causes, effects, and fixes backed by data. You’ll see how studies shape debates and solutions.
The mix of mentorship, team work, and pro development preps you for academia, policy, teaching, or justice roles. By joining a diverse group of scholars, you help cut inequality at home and abroad.
Who Can Apply?
For Graduate Fellows:
- Current Duke PhD students in good standing, enrolled for Fall 2026.
- Check with your department on summer funding rules.
For Undergraduate Fellows:
- Current Duke students enrolled for Fall 2026.
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
For Everyone:
- Strong interest in social equity research.
- Ready for biweekly meetings and full project involvement all summer.
Application Steps and Deadlines
Head to the Cook Center website for grad or undergrad forms. Gather your app form, CV, research interest statement, and recommendation letters into one PDF. Follow the site’s upload steps.
Key dates:
- Priority deadline: March 31, 2026.
- Rolling apps until April 30, 2026, if spots remain.
Act fast to join this chance for impactful summer research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the 2026 Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships?
Graduate fellows must be current Duke PhD students in good standing and enrolled for Fall 2026. Undergraduate fellows must be current Duke students eligible to work in the U.S. and enrolled for Fall 2026.
What stipends do fellows receive?
Graduate fellows get $10,625.01 for the summer. Undergraduates earn $2,500 per term, up to $5,000 for both terms.
What are the application deadlines?
The priority deadline is March 31, 2026. Rolling applications continue until April 30, 2026, if spots remain.
What do fellows do during the program?
Fellows join research teams to handle data collection, literature reviews, analysis, and sharing findings. They attend biweekly meetings and work alongside faculty and peers.
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