BE AN ADVOCATE
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.
Applications for our 2025 cohort closed on March 3. The application period for our 2026 class will open near the end of 2025.




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. Note: Our application period for the 2025 class ended on March 3. Applications for the 2026 class are scheduled to be released in late 2025, and the dates of the program will not necessarily be the same as in 2025.
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 2025 seminar will take place in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, from July 30 to August 3, 2025. Accepted applicants will be required to attend an online orientation session to meet the other members of the 2025 class. The dates each year are slightly different — we’ll share the dates for the 2026 BJC Fellows Seminar when we release applications for the 2026 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?
The application period for the 2025 class closed March 3. Applications for the 2026 class are scheduled to be released near the end of 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