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The BJC Fellows
BJC Fellows come from diverse educational, professional and religious backgrounds to learn in an intensive education program that equips them for advocacy to protect religious liberty.
Since 2015, BJC has offered the BJC Fellows Program, providing young professionals the opportunity to deepen their historical, theological and legal understanding of religious liberty and develop skills to advocate for the cause throughout their careers.
We are now accepting applications for our 2025 cohort! Scroll down for details, or click here for the application form. Applications are due March 3, 2025. We have some FAQs on this page as well.
Apply to the 2025 class
The BJC Fellows Program is open to all individuals between the ages of 25 and 45. There are no religious requirements. Applicants must submit the materials listed below, and they must commit to attending the entire seminar in Colonial Williamsburg.
BJC Fellows Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg: July 30 to August 3, 2025
Application deadline: March 3, 2025
How to apply:
The following materials are required to complete your application:
- A completed application form, which includes your responses to three questions
- CV or resume
- Cover letter expressing interest in the program
- Two letters of recommendation
You will fill out the application form first, which gives you the opportunity to answer three questions.
After filling out that form, you will receive an email from [email protected] to confirm your application. You will then respond to that email with your resume and cover letter attached.
Your application also requires two letters of recommendation, which must be submitted via email by the writer of each letter to [email protected]. Tell the writers of your two recommendation letters to put your name (the applicant’s name) in the subject line of their email.
To be considered for the 2025 class, all materials must be received by March 3, 2025, at midnight Eastern Time.
Interested in learning more? Join us for a no-obligation informational session on Tuesday, January 21, at 4 p.m. ET. Click here to sign up.
For additional questions, scroll down for a list of FAQs, or contact [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BJC Fellows Program?
The BJC Fellows Program is an intensive religious liberty cohort experience for young professionals. The 2025 program kicks off with the BJC Fellows Seminar — an educational program held at Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, from July 30 to August 3, 2025. BJC Fellows will learn about religious liberty from BJC staff members and other experts. They will also engage in conversations about history as well as the latest developments in the religious liberty landscape, all while sharing from their experiences and community contexts.
Who can apply?
The BJC Fellows Program is open to individuals between the ages of 25 and 45 with diverse educational, cultural, and professional experience. There is no religious requirement — people from any or no religious background are welcome. Applicants must commit to advocating for religious liberty in their local communities and nationally, as they see fit.
What is the time commitment?
The seminar will take place in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, from July 30 to August 3, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the virtual informational session that will take place on January 21, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET. You can register for that here. Accepted applicants will be required to attend an online orientation session to meet the other members of the 2025 class.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to our generous donors, there is no cost to apply, and the program will cover your travel, room and meals for the BJC Fellows Seminar at Colonial Williamsburg.
Who are the BJC Fellows?
BJC Fellows are people from various professions and disciplines including academics, engineers, faith leaders, law students, librarians, parents, professors, public school educators, seminarians, and more. You can read about our 2024 class of BJC Fellows here and watch a video featuring our 2023 class here.
What is the role of the BJC Fellows?
Many BJC Fellows serve as liaisons between BJC and their communities by using their skills for public engagement, such as leading educational sessions, writing op-eds and using social media to advance the cause of protecting faith freedom for all.
How can I apply?
Scroll up on this website page for details about the application process. You can also apply to the BJC Fellows program from this link. Your application consists of your cover letter, resume, answers to a few short questions, and two letters of recommendation.
When are applications due?
All application materials, including the two required letters of recommendation, must be received by March 3, 2025.
What if I have more questions?
You can email your questions to our team at [email protected].
Meet the BJC Fellows
“[I]n seeing how different each participant was, I found hope that despite our differences, we were committed to religious liberty for ALL.”
Kristan Pitts / 2021 BJC Fellow
“As a BJC Fellow, I have access to resources, experiences, and a network in which I too can respond and advocate for the protection of religious liberty for all.”
Erika Perez / 2018 BJC Fellow
“We were a diverse group of individuals who came together to engage, support and challenge each other in a deeper engagement of religious liberty.”
Taylor Bell / 2019 BJC Fellow
