2025–2026 Digital Thriving Fellowship Program

The Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education has announced the opening of applications for the 2025–2026 Digital Thriving Fellowship Program. The Center, based at Project Zero within the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focuses on creating research-based resources that help youth and communities thrive in a technology-filled world. The Fellowship offers an opportunity for individuals who are actively working on innovative approaches to youth, technology, and wellbeing to receive support, resources, and join a collaborative community.

The primary objective of the Fellowship is to support projects that foster new conversations around digital thriving, particularly addressing issues such as youth digital agency, critical optimism, and equity-focused approaches to technology use. The Center seeks projects that do not merely focus on eliminating technology use or framing it negatively but instead promote agency, understanding, and youth-driven conversations around technology and wellbeing. Projects can be directed at adults who serve or influence young people, such as parents, educators, clinicians, youth organizations, or researchers and policymakers. Alternatively, projects can directly engage youth themselves to shift their understanding of technology's role in their lives.

The funding scope includes support for individuals pursuing research, creative projects, or other initiatives that align with these goals. The Fellowship is designed for individuals rather than teams, though collaborative projects can be represented by a single Fellow. Funding can be used to support project development, implementation, or dissemination. Specific award amounts are not listed in the available materials.

Eligibility is limited to individuals based in the United States or those working on projects focused within the United States. International projects and applicants residing outside the U.S. are not eligible. Current full-time students, including undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students, are not eligible. Part-time students may qualify depending on individual circumstances and should contact the Center for clarification.

The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Interest, due by March 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, which will be due on May 15, 2025. The selection process will take place in June, with final decisions announced by June 30, 2025. The Fellowship period officially begins on September 1, 2025. An optional Applicant Information Session will be held on February 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time to address questions from potential applicants.

Applications must be submitted via the Center’s application portal in Qualtrics. Questions can be directed to the Center at digitalthriving@gse.harvard.edu. Additional eligibility details, frequently asked questions, and program expectations are outlined on the Fellowship’s website and can be explored further in the Call for Proposals.