Thomas C. Barry Fellowship
A fellowship for Yale students exploring how innovation can address challenges facing communities and society. Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and support while developing work focused on meaningful social impact.
Overview
The Thomas C. Barry Travel Fellowship supports Yale College students pursuing independent, self-designed projects, research, internships, and other purposeful work in emerging-market or developing countries, or with disenfranchised communities in the United States.
The fellowship encourages students to step into unfamiliar contexts, pursue their curiosity, and develop the resourcefulness and resilience that come from learning through real-world experience. Projects do not need to be connected to a formal course or thesis but should demonstrate intentional, self-directed inquiry and meaningful engagement.
Through these experiences, fellows have the opportunity to broaden their perspectives while exploring how they can understand and contribute to the world in new ways.
Resources
The Barry Fellowship provides support for independent summer or term-time experiences that may take place in person or remotely.
Fellowship-supported experiences may include:
- Independent projects or research in emerging-market or developing countries
- Student-arranged internships that include a significant independent component
- Grassroots public service projects working with disenfranchised communities in the United States
- Entrepreneurial projects, including ideas that may eventually develop into for-profit ventures
Application and Criteria
The Barry Fellowship may be a good fit if you:
- Are a first-year, sophomore, or junior in Yale College
- Want to pursue an independent, self-designed experience outside of a traditional academic setting
- Have identified a project, research question, internship, or public service opportunity you want to pursue
- Are prepared to take significant responsibility for designing and carrying out your experience
- Want to learn through direct engagement with new communities, environments, or perspectives
Project Criteria
Independent projects or research
Projects in emerging-market or developing countries should be original and designed by the student. Projects may be entrepreneurial in nature, including ideas that could eventually become for-profit ventures.
Internships
Internships in emerging-market or developing countries should be identified and arranged by the student and must include a significant independent project or component for which the student assumes responsibility.
Public service projects
U.S.-based projects should be independent, grassroots public service experiences that engage with disenfranchised communities.
Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed experience is self-directed, purposeful, and aligned with the fellowship's emphasis on independent learning.
Expectations
Barry Fellows are expected to take ownership of designing and carrying out their proposed experience.
Fellows should be prepared to:
- Independently plan and structure their project or experience
- Take responsibility for arranging relevant internships, partnerships, or project logistics
- Engage thoughtfully with communities and contexts different from their own
- Approach the experience with curiosity, adaptability, and initiative
Learn more at the Info Session
Interested in the Thomas C. Barry Travel Fellowship? Join us to learn more about the fellowship, eligible projects, and the application process. Bring your questions—we’ll leave time for Q&A.
Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 | 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM
Apply
Visit the Thomas C. Barry Travel Fellowship website for current deadlines, detailed eligibility requirements, funding information, and application instructions.