Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants compete for limited number of seats (24) each semester. Criteria for selection are based upon demonstrated Christian commitment and leadership potential. Candidates for admission should be well-rounded in general knowledge and experience, have completed college (some have advanced degrees), have maintained a 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average, and have strong abilities in oral and written communication.

What will Fellows read?

In order to develop leaders with the spiritual, intellectual, and professional fortitude for public service, the academic residency consists of a core curriculum of interdisciplinary studies in theology, philosophy, ethics, history, politics, culture, and jurisprudence. The Institute uses a “block course” system with five three-week long sequential courses that build upon one another. Thus students are able to focus their attention on one course at a time. Readings include both classic and lesser-known works in these fields, including authors like Augustine, Aquinas, Richard Hooker, James Madison, and dozens more historical and modern authors.

Where is the John Jay Institute campus?

We are located in the quiet community of Langhorne Manor, Pennsylvania just on the outskirts of Cairn University. The John Jay Institute has two locations. Fairview Manor, on the outskirts of Cairn University, is a majestic Tudor-style mansion circa 1888 which serves both as a home for the Fairview Fellows during their residency, and as the academic facility that includes their classroom and study spaces. Gillam Manor is less than a mile away from Fairview and is a beatifully restored 1908 manor home with 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Both manor houses are a short 30-minute drive or train ride from the historic city of Philadelphia.

What is a typical day like?

Classes are conducted Monday through Thursday in the Socratic teaching method. Each class day is framed by morning and evening prayer services that encourage common prayer, Scripture meditation, spiritual reflection, and service. Daily assigned readings (often up to 150 pages) with response papers are required, and three hours are spent in class discussing the readings. Fridays are generally field studies to visit historic sites or contemporary leaders or institutions. Weekly hospitality events include Wednesday Tea and Thursday dinners (prepared and hosted by the Fellows) to which special guests are invited. Weekends are usually free for personal reflection, attending church, and experiencing the area. Distant travel away from campus (e.g., home) on the weekends is frowned upon.

Where might an externship placement be?

Each externship is personally tailored to the individual fellow’s vocational interests. Placements vary widely and have included: the U.S. Congress, U.S. State Department, the International Arts Movement, International Justice Mission, the Heritage Foundation, Hudson Institute, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Foreign Policy Research Institute, Ethics and Public Policy Center, Alliance Defense Fund, Americans United for Life, Institute on Religion and Democracy, Opportunity International, and many others including domestic and foreign governments, think tanks, university centers, and NGOs. Many Fellows forego the externship for full-time employment, often in one of the locations mentioned above.

Is there a cost?

No. Like similar prestigious post-undergraduate programs, the Fellows Program is tuition free and includes free housing. John Jay Fellows (Fall and Spring) receive a $875 stipend each of the four months that they are on campus. This stipend is meant to cover food costs, incidentals, Friday field study lunches, household community funds, and hospitality dinners. The externship is not paid, unless payment is offered by the placement organization.

Saratoga Fellows, if they are being paid by the military during their time with us, receive a meal stipend of $100 per week. If not paid by the military during their time with us, Saratoga Fellows will be paid a meal/living stipend of $150/week. The Institute will cover the cost of hospitality dinners during the Saratoga Fellowship.

What are the program dates?

The Fall Fellows begin their residency in August and end in December, followed by externships with dates that vary by organization but generally run from January to April or May.  Spring Fellows begin in January and end their residency in May, and work in their externships over the summer. The Saratoga Fellows program generally runs from early June to mid-July. See the Academic Calendar for exact dates.