University Center for International Studies Center for Latin American Studies
University Center for International Studies Center for Latin American Studies

Social & Public Policy Fellowships

DEADLINE February 16, 2026

 
The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) is pleased to announce the 2026–27 competition for Latin American Social and Public Policy Fellowships (LASPPFs). These fellowships support outstanding students pursuing graduate studies in departments or professional schools at the University of Pittsburgh with a focus on social and public policy issues in Latin America.
 
The scope of social and public policy includes a broad range of issues such as environmental management, democratization, economic restructuring, governmental decentralization, educational and judicial reform, public health and nutrition policy, social security systems, social welfare reform, ethnic and racial justice, and the social impacts of technology, among others.
 

Eligibility and Categories

Applicants must be enrolled in, or applying to, a graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh. Candidates are considered in the following categories:
  1. Newly entering students.
    • Priority is given to newly entering students, particularly non-U.S. citizens/non-permanent residents.
    • U.S. citizens/permanent residents may also apply.
    • Fellows receive two years of support:
      • Year 1: Supported by the Latin American Social and Public Policy Program.
      • Year 2: Guaranteed support from the student’s department/school (teaching assistantship, teaching fellowship, or equivalent fellowship with stipend, tuition, and health insurance).
    • Eligibility
      • Open to students of any nationality.
      • Must be registered as a full-time graduate student at Pitt.
  2. Students at the dissertation-writing stage.
    • For students completing a dissertation on social/public policy in Latin America, the Caribbean, and/or diaspora.
    • Considered for funding only if funds remain after Category 1 awards.
    • Provides one year of support through the LASPP Program. Departments/schools are not required to guarantee a second year.
    • Eligibility
      • Must be registered for Full-Time Dissertation Study (FTDS).
      • Must have completed all coursework for a Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies.

Fellowship Benefits

Recipients (Categories 1 & 2) are appointed for Fall and Spring Terms (September–April) and receive:
  • Tuition:
    • Up to 15 credits per term for Category 1 fellows.
    • Tuition for FTDS for Category 2 fellows.
  • Fees: Student health fee, security/safety/transportation fee, computing/network services fee. Does not cover student activity fee.
  • Stipend: Minimum of $22,130 (equivalent to a TA stipend), paid over eight months.
  • Medical Insurance: For the full academic year (September–August).
  • Book/Supply Allowance: $1,000.

Requirements

  • Superior academic record.
  • Enrollment in a Graduate Certificate program in the Center for Latin American Studies.
  • Enrollment in at least one Latin American area course each term of the award (Category 1 fellows).
  • Coordination with other LASPP fellows and CLAS Staff of the Latin American Social and Public Policy Workshop.

To Apply

The nominating department or school must submit application packages. Each file must include:

LASPPF Application Form (Online): Application Form Link

Application will include:

  • Curriculum Vitae (Maximum of two pages)
  • Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate records to date)
  • Statement of Purpose - prepared by the candidate, describing interest in social & public policy and long-term goals related to Latin America (Maximum of two pages)
  • Two letters of Recommendation - from professors who know the candidate well
  • School/Departmental Nomination Letter (covering both categories) 
    • Category 1 - New Incoming Student Only
      • Letter from the department/school confirming a guaranteed second year of funding (at least 8 months) in the form of a teaching assistantship, teaching fellowship, or equivalent fellowship (stipend, health insurance, and tuition), contingent upon satisfactory progress.
    • Category 2 - Dissertation Stage Student

Deadline

Application packages, submitted by the department or school, must be received by February 16, 2026.

Notes for Faculty & Departments

  • Faculty: Please inform your chairperson/dean of any eligible student who should be nominated. Be sure to include any new students admitted for 2026–27.
  • Departments: Each department may nominate up to four newly entering candidates and two dissertation-writing stage candidates. CLAS encourages departments to provide a ranked list of nominees.