Beyond the Bars Fellowship

The Beyond the Bars Fellowship is a leadership development program hosted at Columbia University for students and community members impacted by incarceration or committed to justice reform. It aims to deepen participants' identity, analysis, skills and networks to contribute to restorative, transformative, and healing justice through interdisciplinary study and collaboration. The program runs in-person in New York with seminars, training, and a collaborative project with partner justice organizations.

In-person leadership seminars and guest lectures; training in community organizing, policy advocacy, and justice reform; collaborative project with partner justice organizations; supportive community and final team project presentation with impact.

Open to students from any academic background and to community members, especially those impacted by incarceration, with no prior experience required.

Submit the online application; participate in group interviews; final selection notification reported by mid-September 2025.