The Mercatus Center is now accepting applications for the Don Lavoie Fellowship Program, a prestigious online fellowship designed to introduce emerging scholars to the field of political economy. This fully virtual program offers participants the opportunity to engage deeply with ideas at the intersection of economics, politics, philosophy, and social theory—without geographical restrictions.
📅 Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
About the Fellowship
The Don Lavoie Fellowship is open to applicants of any nationality and from any academic background. It is especially suited for undergraduate students, recent graduates, young professionals, and early-stage graduate students who are curious about how institutions, markets, and governance systems shape society.
Through a carefully structured online format, fellows are introduced to political economy via guided reading groups, interactive virtual discussions, and curated academic resources. The program emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual exploration, and open inquiry rather than ideological conformity, making it ideal for those who want to strengthen their analytical skills and academic foundations.
What Fellows Will Gain
Participants in the Don Lavoie Fellowship benefit from both financial support and academic mentorship. Key benefits include:
- $1,250 fellowship award, provided upon successful participation
- Mentorship and academic guidance from scholars and experienced professionals
- Structured reading groups covering foundational and contemporary political economy texts
- Live virtual discussions that encourage thoughtful debate and collaborative learning
- Access to an international academic network of fellows, alumni, and researchers
This combination of financial support, mentorship, and scholarly engagement helps fellows build confidence in their academic interests and prepare for future research, graduate study, or policy-related careers.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is ideal for individuals who:
- Have a strong interest in political economy, economics, public policy, philosophy, or social sciences
- Are you at the undergraduate level, recent graduates, early-career professionals, or beginning graduate students
- Enjoy reading, discussion, and critical engagement with complex ideas
- Are seeking mentorship and exposure to academic networks
- Can commit to active participation in an online learning environment
- Click here to start up now
No specific prior coursework in political economy is required, making the program accessible to applicants from diverse disciplines and educational paths.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Don Lavoie Fellowship honors the legacy of Don Lavoie, a scholar known for interdisciplinary thinking and intellectual openness. The program encourages participants to explore big questions about markets, institutions, and social cooperation—skills that are increasingly valuable in academia, policy, and leadership roles.
For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of political economy, gain mentorship, and join a global intellectual community, this fellowship offers a unique and flexible opportunity.
📌 Deadline to apply: April 15, 2026
https://www.mercatus.org/students/don-lavoie-fellowship?gclid