The K.H. Lockett
Truth and Justice Fellowship
The K.H. Lockett Truth and Justice Fellowship is a highly selective undergraduate fellowship dedicated to cultivating the next generation of civic leaders in law, journalism, and public service.
Through a 10-week, full-time placement at a mission-aligned host institution in Atlanta, the Fellow engages directly with the challenges and opportunities at the heart of American democracy. They gain career-defining experience, rigorous mentorship, and the grounding to lead with purpose.
The Fellowship is awarded through a competitive process that recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to service — particularly from students for whom opportunity has required resilience and resourcefulness.
The Fellowship prepares its alumni to lead with clarity and conviction in Georgia and beyond. In the years ahead, it will grow into a distinguished pathway for undergraduates committed to strengthening civic institutions and advancing the public interest.
Program Details
The K.H. Lockett Truth and Justice Fellow will participate full time in a ten-week summer placement, working 40 hours per week at a host site in Atlanta, Georgia. Host sites are carefully selected organizations whose work reflects the Foundation’s mission and values, giving Fellows the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects while gaining firsthand experience in public service. Additional details about the 2026 summer placement will be announced this fall.
Eligibility
The K.H. Lockett Truth and Justice Fellowship is open to undergraduate students who will hold junior or senior standing (at least 60 completed credit hours) by the start of the fellowship. Applicants must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited, nonprofit, four-year college or university physically located within the 29-county Atlanta metropolitan area. Students must be in good academic standing, defined as eligible to continue enrollment and not on academic suspension or probation, at the time of application. Applicants must not have completed their bachelor’s degree before the fellowship begins. The fellowship is open to students of all citizenship and residency statuses.
Award Criteria
Fellows will be selected through a competitive process based on academic standing, demonstrated commitment to public service, and the potential to grow as a servant leader. The Foundation is especially interested in applicants who can show resilience, curiosity, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Selection decisions will be made by the Foundation in consultation with our Advisory Board, with the goal of identifying one student each summer whose background, skills, and aspirations align with the mission of the K.H. Lockett Truth and Justice Fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fellows are compensated at a rate of $20 per hour and are paid biweekly throughout the duration of the Fellowship.
Applicants may only submit one application per Fellowship cycle. However, individuals who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply in subsequent cycles.
Fellows are not required to live in Atlanta but must have the ability to be physically present at their places of employment for the duration of the Fellowship. Please note that the Foundation does not provide assistance with transportation or housing.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Fellowship. Beyond this, there is no age limit, and applications from students of nontraditional backgrounds are encouraged.
Deadlines vary by cycle. Applicants are advised to check the Fellowship’s official website for the most up-to-date timeline and details.
Fellows are chosen by a selection committee through a competitive process based on academic standing, demonstrated commitment to public service, and the potential to grow as a servant leader.
The Kenneth Lockett Foundation is a social impact organization that invests in the next generation of civic leaders by building pathways into public service, law, and journalism. Guided by a commitment to the public interest, the Foundation is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and dedicated to shaping a more just, informed, and engaged society.
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8735 Dunwoody Place, Suite R, Atlanta, GA, 30350