Civic Cornerstone Fellowship
APPLY NOW FOR FALL 2026 by 11:59 PM on June 1, 2026.
In a time of increasing political polarization, it can be difficult to engage constructively with those who hold opposing viewpoints. The Civic Cornerstone Fellowship (CCF) was designed to address this challenge. Launched by the Karsh Institute in Fall 2024 and informed by over a decade of research, the CCF brings together undergraduate and graduate students across majors, backgrounds, and perspectives for a monthly conversation series.
More than 1,000 students have participated in the CCF since its inception. Fellows represent over 50 majors and fields ranging from law to neurobiology. Civic Cornerstone Fellows come together monthly to engage in structured dialogue across lines of ideological difference on the topics that matter most to them.
Join a community of students committed to advancing democracy through civic dialogue and gain access to a curated calendar of opportunities exclusive to Civic Cornerstone Fellows. APPLY HERE BY JUNE 1
In today’s polarized climate, engaging across differences can be challenging. The Karsh Institute of Democracy’s Civic Cornerstone Fellowship addresses this by convening UVA undergraduates and graduates for monthly conversations across diverse perspectives.
The fellowship integrates three key facets:
- Dialogue skills through structured peer conversations.
- Mindfulness practices to support self-regulation and authentic connection and communication.
- Knowledge of the American political landscape.
Fellows are placed in cohorts of 50-70 students, with smaller groups of 8–10 for deeper discussion over shared meals. Sessions are guided by trained facilitators. The Karsh Institute leads this initiative in partnership with UVA School of Education and Human Development Associate Professor Rachel Wahl and other schools and the following areas across Grounds:
- College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
- Contemplative Sciences Center
- Darden School of Business
- Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
- Public Service Pathways
- School of Data Science
- School of Education and Human Development
- Student Affairs
As a partner, the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) is honored to lead the integration of mindfulness into the program curriculum and to provide mindfulness facilitation support.
To learn more, please visit the Karsh Institute's program page.
Questions? Reach out to Luke Forbes at qzb6na@virginia.edu
Contemplative Sciences Contact: Polina Mischenko - polina@virginia.edu