Applications open until October 24, 2025 | Grants of $10,000–$25,000 available

The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) has officially opened applications for the American Democracy & Technology Fellowship, a prestigious one-year program designed to strengthen U.S. democracy in the digital age.

Supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the fellowship empowers emerging leaders, researchers, and practitioners to design and implement innovative projects at the intersection of democracy, technology, and national security.

Fellowship Overview

The American Democracy & Technology Fellowship provides participants with $10,000–$25,000 in grant funding to advance a specific, self-designed project over 12 months.

Fellows will work closely with the McCain Institute’s American Democracy team, engaging policymakers, technologists, analysts, and national security leaders to translate big ideas into actionable solutions that strengthen democracy and protect human rights.

Key Focus Areas

Applicants are encouraged to submit project proposals (maximum two pages) that achieve one or more of the following objectives:

• Advance research and policy recommendations on how technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), can improve American democracy.

• Deepen stakeholder engagement to promote democratic and national security policies that protect human rights in the digital era.

• Enhance public awareness of the risks and opportunities presented by technology, including disinformation and manipulated information.

• Strengthen democratic institutions and election infrastructure to ensure resilience and effectiveness in support of a democracy for and by the people.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be based in the United States.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree and at least six years of relevant work experience, OR a graduate degree in a related field (technology, democracy and tech, democracy policy, national security, law, or business) with at least two years of experience.

• Demonstrate expertise or experience relevant to the fellowship’s goals (e.g., technology sector, digital democracy, public policy, human rights, or security).

Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will also be considered.

Fellowship Benefits

• Grants of $10,000–$25,000 to support fellows’ projects.

• Access to the McCain Institute’s network of policymakers, researchers, and technologists.

• Opportunities to influence national policy, research, and advocacy efforts.

• Contribution to the McCain Institute’s mission of fostering democracy, human rights, and character-driven leadership.

Application Details

• Deadline: October 24, 2025

• Proposal Requirement: Submit a project proposal (maximum two pages) outlining objectives, methods, and intended impact.

• Duration: 12 months

Interested candidates can find full application details and resources on the McCain Institute’s website:

• For more information on how to apply, click HERE(Open Link in new window).
• Learn more about the McCain Institute’s Democracy Programs HERE(Open Link in new window).

About the McCain Institute

The McCain Institute at Arizona State University is dedicated to advancing democracy, human rights, and character-driven leadership worldwide. Its American Democracy programs focus on strengthening democratic institutions, countering disinformation, and safeguarding the values of open societies in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

This fellowship is generously sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a leader in supporting democracy, journalism, and technology innovation.