Madison Fellows Program

“[The CSLD] reading groups created a diverse environment of thought which led to some of the best discussions I had throughout my college career. It also led to me meeting many people who became good friends and advisors during and after my college career.”

Elijah Rickenbach (B.A. 2026), 2025-26 Catholic Social & Political Thought Fellow

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2026-27 MADISON FELLOWS!

Large student audience listening to a lecture by a distinguished scholar

Two young adults in a lecture room talking and smiling

Group of university folks sitting around a table in a library discussing something.

Are you interested in leading as you learn about the foundations of liberal democracy, develop your capacity to dialogue with others on matters of civic importance, and explore programs on topics as diverse as free speech, voting rights, what it means to be human in an age of technology, and what values and virtues best sustain our country and its people?

The Center for the Study of Liberal Democracy (CSLD) at the University of Wisconsin Madison offers two Student Fellowship Programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students interested in delving deeper into the mission and work of the CSLD: The Madison Fellowship and the Newman Fellowship. The CSLD Madison Fellowship is designed to provide students with an opportunity to immerse themselves deeply in the intellectual life of the Center and engage broadly across the various initiatives’ programs, courses, and experiential learning opportunities. By so doing, Madison Fellows will enrich their academic life and build fruitful networks with their UW-Madison peers and faculty, and with students and scholars from other institutions. Fellows also gain exposure to various modes of inquiry, enhance analytic skills, and deepen their ability to engage in civil discourse—all while developing a robust understanding of the cardinal principles and institutions of liberal democracy.

EXPECTATIONS: Madison Fellows are expected to:

participate in a CSLD-sponsored reading group of their choice each semester of their fellowship;
attend at least three CSLD-sponsored or co-sponsored lectures, workshops, or trips each semester of their fellowship;
participate in at least two meals or other small group gatherings with visiting scholars each semester; and
complete brief pre- and post-participation surveys to gauge learning and growth and submit a 3-4 page reflection essay at the end of the school year.up each semester of their fellowship.

Fellows who meet program expectations will earn a $1,000 stipend at the end of the academic year. Applications for 2026-27 fellowships can be completed below, and close September 11th. All enrolled UW-Madison undergraduates (including freshmen), and graduate and professional school students in any program of study, from any religious or non-religious tradition, are invited to apply.

Please direct questions to Professor Cecelia Klingele at cklingele@wisc.edu.

Madison Fellowship Application 2026-27

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Name*
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Year*
- First year
- Sophomore
- Junior
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- Graduate/Professional Degree Student
Graduation Year*
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Have you served as a fellow in any CSLD program (CSPT, Newman, or Madison Fellow) in previous years?*
- Yes
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Please explain your interest in the Madison Fellows Program (1,500 word max). What draws you to the program? What do you hope to learn? What do you hope to contribute?*
Please describe any particular areas of interest or additional facts relevant to your application (1,000 word max).
OPTIONAL: If you would like to submit a letter of reference from an instructor or other person familiar with your interest in this program, please list your reference's name and email address here, or have your reference email cklingele@wisc.edu with the subject line "Madison Fellowship Reference."