Sapin Fellowship

About the Sapin Fellowship

Created in honor of Shirley Sapin and in recognition for her commitment to equality and opportunity for all people, the Sapin Fellowship was established to offer students in post-secondary institutions the opportunity to work for four months with the Global Fairness Initiative (GFI) on issues of economic development and workforce equity.

Through the support of the Sapin family and friends of GFI, the Fellowship is offered two times a year during the Spring and Fall semesters. Fellows spend the academic semester working with GFI on issues and programs at the heart of economic access for the working poor. They participate on all levels with GFI staff and initiatives, gaining exposure to international development issues, non-profit management, and access to a wide network of affiliated organizations throughout the Washington, DC region.

Who is eligible to apply?

Sapin Fellowship is available to full or part-time students matriculated at the University of the District of Colombia in Washington, DC. Applicants must be willing to commit an academic semester to working at GFI. Fellows must meet a minimum of 18 hours of work per week and are required to complete a research study or proposal on a subject to be developed with GFI staff. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences suited to work with GFI and our global partners.

Is this a paid fellowship?

The Sapin Fellowship includes a living stipend. The stipend is provided in 2 payments at the middle and end of the Fellowship and full payment of the stipend will be dependent on the fulfillment of the minimum required hours.

Learn More or Request an Application

To learn more about the Sapin Fellowship, including Fellows' requirements and responsibilities, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may also submit an application for the Fellowship at anytime for consideration in the next Fellowship semester by sending a CV, cover letter, and statement of interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The statement of interest should be a short description of your interest in the Sapin Fellowship program and what you hope to get out of your time working with GFI.

Selected applicants will be asked to conduct an in-office interview with GFI staff.

About Shirley Sapin

Dr. Shirley Sapin lived a life committed to social activism and civil rights for all people. Throughout her career Dr. Sapin worked on behalf of people struggling to realize their individual goals. During World War II, living with her family in Hawaii, she witnessed racism against the native Hawaiian people and vowed to commit herself to the cause of social justice. In the 1960’s she served as a grassroots organizer for Voice of Women where she devoted herself to work with the peace and civil rights movements, for school integration and against nuclear testing. Taking the role of personal advocate, Shirley served as a counselor and psychologist at institutions ranging from Cleveland State University to the Island Counseling Center of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts where she finished her career. Shirley served on the boards of Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity. In honor of her life and passion the Sapin Family created the Sapin Fellowship with the Global Fairness Initiative in 2010.

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