Don Lavoie Fellowship 2026 | Online Political Economy Program

George Mason University

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2

Vacancy

20

Description

The Don Lavoie Fellowship, offered by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, represents a highly competitive and intellectually enriching opportunity for students and early-career professionals globally. Designed as a virtual program, the fellowship provides participants with an immersive introduction to the fundamental ideas of political economy. Fellows engage deeply with the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought, exploring seminal works and contemporary interpretations through structured online reading groups. This program not only strengthens participants’ theoretical understanding of economic systems but also offers a gateway to an esteemed academic community, fostering connections with scholars and peers who share a commitment to rigorous inquiry in political economy. By participating in this fellowship, individuals gain both knowledge and a platform to engage in meaningful discourse, laying a strong foundation for future research or professional work in economics, policy, and related fields. 

Responsibilities

Fellow Responsibilities

The Don Lavoie Fellowship is an interactive learning experience. To receive the stipend and graduate from the program, Fellows are expected to: 

• Active Participation in Virtual Meetings: Fellows are expected to attend all scheduled online reading group sessions consistently. Engagement goes beyond mere presence; participants should contribute ideas, respond to peers’ comments, and actively participate in debates to enhance collective learning.
• Thorough Preparation and Completion of Assigned Readings: Fellows must complete all assigned readings ahead of each session, demonstrating comprehension and critical thinking. This includes analyzing texts from the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy and preparing discussion points or questions.
• Constructive Engagement in Intellectual Discussions: Fellows should actively share insights, challenge assumptions respectfully, and connect theoretical concepts to real-world political and economic contexts. The goal is to cultivate a collaborative environment where all participants benefit from diverse perspectives.
• Application of Learned Concepts: Fellows are encouraged to reflect on readings and discussions and consider how these ideas relate to their own academic, professional, or personal interests. This includes identifying practical applications or research implications of political economy theories.
• Uphold Professionalism and Ethical Conduct: Fellows must maintain a high standard of professional behavior in all virtual interactions. This includes being punctual, respectful, and courteous in communications with peers, mentors, and Mercatus Center staff, and adhering to the fellowship’s code of conduct.
• Regular Self-Assessment and Feedback Integration: Fellows should actively seek feedback from mentors and peers to improve their understanding and participation. They are expected to demonstrate growth throughout the fellowship by integrating constructive criticism into discussions and written reflections. 

Fellowship Value and Benefits

The Don Lavoie Fellowship provides both financial support and intellectual capital:

1. Financial Support - Stipend: Upon successful completion of the fellowship, participants receive a stipend of $1,250. This financial award acknowledges the commitment and effort required to engage fully in the program and provides tangible support for fellows’ professional development.
2. Access to Curated Educational Resources: Fellows gain exclusive access to a carefully selected collection of academic readings, case studies, and supplementary materials covering the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy. These resources are designed to deepen understanding and provide a strong theoretical foundation.
3. Structured Academic Mentorship: Fellows receive personalized guidance from Mercatus Center scholars and staff. Mentors provide insights into political economy research, career pathways, and opportunities for further academic engagement. This guidance supports fellows in integrating the program’s concepts into their own scholarly or professional work.
4. Networking Opportunities: The fellowship facilitates direct engagement with a global community of students, young professionals, and Mercatus alumni. Fellows can cultivate meaningful connections, participate in intellectual exchange, and potentially collaborate on research projects or career initiatives in the field of political economy.
5. Intellectual Development: Beyond financial support, the program emphasizes skill-building in critical analysis, discussion, and application of economic theory. Fellows leave the program with enhanced knowledge, analytical capabilities, and a stronger foundation for future academic or professional endeavors.
6. Recognition and Credential: Successful completion of the fellowship provides fellows with a formal credential from the Mercatus Center, which can strengthen academic and professional profiles when applying for graduate programs, research opportunities, or positions in economic policy and related fields. 

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Qualification

Eligibility Criteria

The Mercatus Center seeks a diverse group of thinkers. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Academic and Professional Status: Applicants must be either undergraduate students currently enrolled in a degree program, recent graduates who have completed their undergraduate studies, young professionals in the early stages of their careers, or early-stage graduate students. This range ensures that the fellowship is accessible to those at the beginning of their academic or professional journey.
• Geographic Flexibility: The fellowship is entirely virtual, allowing applicants from anywhere in the world to participate. There are no residency or citizenship restrictions, making the program globally accessible and fostering a diverse, international cohort of fellows.
• Disciplinary Inclusivity: There are no limitations on the applicant’s field of study. While the program focuses on political economy, individuals from all academic disciplines - such as economics, political science, sociology, philosophy, law, or business - are encouraged to apply. The fellowship values interdisciplinary perspectives that can enrich discussions and collaborative learning.
• Demonstrated Interest and Motivation: Candidates must show a genuine interest in political economy and a willingness to engage actively in critical discussion. This can be demonstrated through a personal statement, past academic or professional experiences, or a clear articulation of why the fellowship aligns with their intellectual and professional goals.
• Commitment to Engagement: Applicants should be prepared to dedicate the necessary time and effort to fully participate in reading groups, discussions, and program activities. Active engagement is essential for both receiving the stipend and benefiting from the intellectual opportunities provided by the fellowship. 

Application Procedure

The application process is designed to assess your interest in political economy and your potential to contribute to group discussions.

1. Online Application Submission: Begin by accessing the official Mercatus Center application portal. Carefully follow the instructions provided to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
2. Provide Required Materials: Applicants are typically required to submit a current CV or resume. In addition, you will need to answer short essay questions that demonstrate your interest in political economy, your motivation for joining the fellowship, and how you expect to engage with the program.
3. Review Process: Submitted applications are reviewed either on a rolling basis or after the official deadline, depending on the intake cycle. Reviewers evaluate candidates based on academic or professional background, interest in political economy, and potential for meaningful participation in group discussions.
4. Placement into Reading Groups: Successful applicants are assigned to virtual reading groups where they will engage with fellow participants and Mercatus mentors in guided discussions on the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy.
5. Technical Requirements: As this fellowship is entirely virtual, applicants must have access to a reliable internet connection and the ability to participate actively in online reading sessions and discussions. 

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