The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States. The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. Eligible are graduating seniors and alumni who have graduated from Cornell within the past academic year. Individuals who have begun graduate studies are not eligible (except in cases of joint bachelor's/master's degrees).

Note: An endorsement from Cornell is required to apply for the Gaither. The deadline by which applicants should apply for Cornell's nomination for the Gaither is 1pm ET on November 21, 2025. This application is to apply to be one of the 2 Cornell nominations for the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The award provides a one-year paid internship in Washington, D.C. with the Endowment. Junior Fellows work as research assistants on projects such as non-proliferation, democracy building, migration, international economics, and Russian/Eurasian issues. About twelve awards are given annually.

Junior Fellows provide research assistance to scholars working on the Carnegie Endowment's projects:

A) Democracy, Conflict and Governance
B) American Statecraft Program
C) Nuclear Policy Program
D) Technology and International Affairs Program
E) Middle East Program

F) International Security and Political Economy
G) Asia Program
H) Russia and Eurasia Program
I) Africa Program
J) Global Order and Institutions Program

K) Sustainability, Climate and Geopolitics Program

L) Europe Program
 

Available placements vary from year to year and are announced in October. See application information below.
 

ASSIGNMENTS: Gaither Junior Fellows provide research assistance to scholars working on Carnegie Endowment's projects, listed below. They have the opportunity to conduct research, contribute to op-eds, papers, reports, and books, edit documents, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials.

Carnegie Junior Fellows receive a monthly salary and benefits. Fellows are responsible for their own housing but receive relocation stipend of up to $1500. Students and alumni applications must be processed and endorsed through the CCS fellowships office to be eligible for the competition at the regional and/or national level. Endorsement decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Finalists’ interviews with the Endowment take place in the early spring semester.