Deadline: October 15, 2026
Applications are open for the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) 2027-2028. Founded in 1989, HRAP leverages the resources of Columbia University and those offered by NYC as a hub of NGOs and international organizations to provide human rights advocates with academic, skill-building, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Through seminars, participation in University courses, and workshops led by staff from leading human rights organizations as well as meetings with policymakers and funders, advocates share their experiences, reflect critically on their work, and plan future campaigns.
More than 350 advocates from nearly 100 countries have attended the program since it was created in 1989. The cumulative reach of HRAP participants is extraordinary: alumni have worked with organizations whose memberships range from the thousands to the millions. They can be found at prominent human rights organizations, serving in their national governments and at the UN, teaching at universities around the globe, and serving on the frontlines of human rights in an effort to make a more just and peaceful world.
Funding
- Only a very limited number of full scholarships will be awarded. Other admitted applicants will be asked to cover expenses such as living expenses and stipend.
Eligibility
- The Program is designed for lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, social workers, community organizers, and other human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, minority rights, LGBT rights, labor rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, and corporate social accountability.
- Participants are selected on the basis of their previous work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Full-time students or government officials will not be considered. Applicants holding full or part-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred.
- Advocates must work at the grassroots level. Applicants from high-income countries will not be considered except for those representing marginalized communities.
- Fluency in English is required. Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally.
- Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement from their organizations for their participation in the Program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the Program. Only one application per organization should be submitted. More than one application means all applications from that organization will be disqualified. It is up to the applicant to make sure he/she is the sole applicant from his/her organization.
Application
For more information, see FAQs and visit HRAP.
