About the Program
For most of history, humans have produced violence as members of groups or organizations and perpetuated conflict across the globe. The Corioli Institute is a think-and-do tank dedicated to (re)building social cohesion and sustainable futures among individuals and communities affected by violence. We collaborate with formerly armed actors and their receiving communities to enhance the resource commons, fostering environments where trust and social cohesion can be cultivated. We leverage a fully participatory, data-driven approach of “nothing about us without us” with all project partners as a part of our zero-waste funding philosophy, in which every dollar spent serves the community's actual needs.
The Corioli Institute Summer Fellows Program will run for ten weeks with start and end dates aligned to the applicant's summer availability, and an expected work week of 35 hours per week. Applicants should be comfortable writing, reading, conducting critical thinking and analysis, and using qualitative or quantitative research methods. However, the fellowship is built to facilitate the growth of participants' skills and is founded on the idea that cross-organizational expertise transfer is beneficial for everyone involved.
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Successful applicants will engage either in one of two research tracks, structured like graduate seminars, focusing on a selected topic from a portfolio spanning 10 countries, or participate in a track dedicated to organizational strategies and development aimed at enhancing the Institute’s operations and sustainability. Additionally, we also offer the opportunity to submit independent project proposals (see 'How to Apply').
The Program Tracks Explained
Track I – Project Research: Case Study, Policy Paper, Research Brief
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A dedicated fellowship cohort will operate similarly to a graduate seminar, collaboratively producing three key documents: a business school case study, policy paper, and research brief focused on a selected field setting. Combines hands-on training, expert mentorship, and professional networking. Topics include:​​​​​​
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Ukraine
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Veteran reintegration
Colombia
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Gang defection
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Trust building between ex-combatants and the state
Ecuador
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Preventing youth recruitment into organized crime
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Social cohesion policy
El Salvador
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Leading social change during a rising authoritarian regime.
Mexico
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Public spaces, built environment, and citizen security
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Assessing upskilling initiatives for former cartel members
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Women-led sustainable resource initiatives
Sudan
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Project implementation in a war zone
Track II – Project Research: Literature Reviews, Concept Notes, Policy Analysis​
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A dedicated fellowship cohort, operating similarly to a graduate seminar, will conduct research-based projects to develop evidence-based frameworks for advancing participatory engagement across key domains. Combines hands-on training, expert mentorship, and professional networking. Topics include:
Ukraine
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Investigating the risks of radicalization and recruitment to transnational organized criminal groups
Colombia
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Women, displacement, and quotidian violence
Broader Latin America Region
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Developing a social cohesion policy framework, drawing from Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico data.
Somalia
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Defection and reintegration of former members of al Shabaab
Sudan
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SAF-RSF Civil War Deep Dive Research Report
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Data collection and relationship building for a participatory conference on reintegration
Climate Change, Conflict, Migration Nexus
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Building relationships with partners in the region to deliver tailored policy recommendations and concept notes.
Moral Injury
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Developing a state-of-the field comparative review of moral injury among conventional and special forces worldwide.
Track III – Institute Research: Organizational Strategies and Processes​
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A specialized fellowship cohort will examine successful models of international social enterprises, analyzing organizational design principles and strategies that balance social impact with operational sustainability.
They will design, implement, and create assessments for key organizational processes and strategies.
Fellow roles of this Track include:
Finance and Accounting Fellows
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Developing and implementing a robust monthly and annual financial strategy for the Corioli Institute.
This includes designing processes to ensure sustainability and accountability in our financial operations.
Marketing, Social Media and Communication Fellows
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Conducting market research and developing a marketing strategy for our various lines of programming. Crafting and implementing an engaging social media and communications strategy tailored to our focus
areas of peacebuilding, reintegration, and international development. This work will enhance our development, outreach, and advocacy efforts.
Fundraising, Grant Writing, and Development Fellows​​
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Leading efforts to secure financial and partnership resources for our projects by identifying funding opportunities, writing grants, and building a strong foundation for donor relations and development.
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Measurement, Evaluation and Learning Fellows
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Establishing and refining internal systems to measure impact, evaluate programs, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within our organization. This includes retroactive measurement
and evaluation for past projects and projecting these lessons to future projects.
How to Apply
Eligibility
The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students inside and outside the United States. There is no minimum requirement for previous educational experience or work experience in related fields. Non-traditional and underrepresented students are encouraged to highlight work, academic,
and life experiences in their application.
Location
Fellows can be physically located anywhere inside and outside the United States with a strong internet connection for conducting research and weekly or bi-weekly meetings with the fellow’s program director and team. Deliverables and travel will depend on a candidate's experience, expertise, and desired or assigned role.
Application
Requirements
All applicants must complete their application form here and submit a
resume or curriculum vitae, a one-page cover letter, and a short writing
sample (maximum 800 words). We encourage applications for projects outside the two research tracks offered in this fellowship. For this, please include a brief proposal of no more than two pages outlining the project's relevance to Corioli's mission and vision, its goals, what should be done in your proposed location or on your chosen topic, and how we can make a difference. The proposal can be submitted in any format that best conveys your ideas and should loosely follow a ‘who, what, when, where, why, and how’ structure.
Applications are due by February 24, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.
For questions or clarifications on the Institute, application process, or Fellows Program please contact Fellows Program Director Luke Magyar at research@corioli.org, or
+1 (252)-470-6112 on WhatsApp, Signal, or SMS.
Hear from the 2024 Cohort
"My summer with the Corioli Institute was the perfect internship experience. Throughout my time working with the institute, I was able to use my skills to contribute to real-world projects and make an impact on the world. The team at the institute were wonderful teachers who expanded my knowledge of policy and advocacy work while helping me work towards my own professional goals. I conducted research, contributed to advocacy plans, and wrote articles for publication. I loved my time at the Corioli Institute!"
Sean Kingsland
U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Political Science Major, University of Chicago
"As a triple major in Economics, Public Policy, and Human Rights at the University of Chicago, I was eager to apply my various quantitative and qualitative skills to real-world challenges. The Corioli Institute allowed me to do incredibly meaningful work, analyzing and contributing to a comprehensive report for NGOs in Mexico working to improve communities controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel. Working with raw survey data and delving into the region's intricacies was both fascinating and rewarding, as I had the chance to read each respondent’s unique answers to the survey questions.
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Now, my work has evolved to include learning about the behind-the-scenes functions of a nonprofit. I’ve had the chance to support the Institute’s social media and fundraising efforts, which has been a great way to broaden my skill set and understanding of nonprofit operations. I’m excited to start
the new year learning how to write grants!"