The Human Rights Advocates Program is now accepting applications for Fall 2020.
Founded in 1989, the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) is a unique and successful model of human rights capacity building. HRAP capitalizes on its affiliation with Columbia University and its location in New York City to provide grassroots leaders the tools, knowledge, access, and networks to strengthen their organizations and promote human rights.
HRAP’s comprehensive program of advocacy, networking, skills-building, and academic coursework provides advocates the opportunity to hone practical skills, develop a deeper understanding of human rights, and foster mutually beneficial relationships with organizations and individuals in their fields. Details about the program and activities can be found on the HRAP Overview page and the HRAP Pillars page. You can also read about past participants on the Advocates page.
To be considered, applicants must be involved with their respective NGOs at the grassroots level. In addition, applicants must either be from mid- to low-income countries or come from a marginalized community. Individuals who work for government agencies and full-time students are ineligible for consideration. Applicants must be fluent in English and be able to provide proof of fluency. Also, applicants must sign a commitment letter that states they will return to work for their non-governmental organizations upon completion of the program. If the university receives applications from two individuals working for the same non-governmental organization, both of the applicants will be disqualified. Preference is given to applicants who have never had the opportunity to study abroad before.
Some applicants who are admitted to the program will receive full funding to cover the cost of the Human Rights Advocates program. In some cases, individuals may be selected and asked to cover all or part of the funding themselves.
Individuals who are admitted to the Human Rights Advocates program spend four months at the Columbia campus in New York City. Students attend rigorous academic classes, receive one-on-one mentoring from faculty, participate in skill-building workshops and are given networking opportunities. The program is geared toward both individual professional development and organizational capacity building. Additionally, the program includes a one-week networking trip to Washington, D.C.
Click here to learn how to apply.
The deadline for applications is December 16, 2019 at 17:00 EST.