The United WE Rural Research Fellowship is a new competitive, interdisciplinary program designed to support scholars and practitioners whose work advances understanding of the most pressing issues facing rural American communities. The Fellowship aims to generate original research that can inform U.S. policymakers and community leaders, leading to nonpartisan policy solutions that improve economic opportunity and quality of life in rural America, with a particular focus on Kansas and western Missouri.

Over the course of a 12-month fellowship, each Rural Research Fellow will conduct an independent research project on a rural-focused topic. Potential areas of study include–but are not limited to–economic development and entrepreneurship, workforce participation, caregiving and family support (such as child care or paid family leave), and civic participation. United WE encourages projects that illuminate how policies, systems, and trends uniquely affect women and their roles in rural communities.

What Fellows Receive

• A $20,000 award to support the development and completion of their project (e.g., supplemental salary, research expenses, travel, etc.).

• Membership in a cohort of fellows who will engage in shared professional development, learning, and collaboration throughout the fellowship year.

• Opportunities to translate research into action by sharing findings through United WE’s platforms and events.

• Travel and accommodations to the Fellowship Symposium.

Fellowship Deliverables

The Fellowship is designed to be completed alongside other professional commitments, with flexible pacing over 12 months. 

Fellows should expect to participate in one or more virtual convenings hosted by United WE and present research findings at an in-person Fellowship Symposium at the conclusion of the Fellowship. Other deliverables include:

• An original white paper published by United WE.

• Two short-form written pieces that communicate key insights to policymakers and community leaders.

Fellows will be invited to participate in the identification and selection of Fellows for the following year.

Fellowship Eligibility

The Rural Research Fellowship welcomes applicants from academic, nonprofit, or practitioner backgrounds whose work connects scholarship to real-world systems or policy change. Applicants within the academy may be young and emerging scholars, as well as mid-career and seasoned researchers from any discipline. All applicants should demonstrate a commitment to rigorous inquiry, public engagement, and advancing understanding of rural communities within the United States. 

How to Apply

Applications for the 2025 Rural Research Fellowship will open March 4, 2026 and must be submitted by April 6, 2026. Full eligibility criteria, selection process, and application instructions will be available at united-we.org/fellowship-FAQ.

Why United WE is investing in Rural Communities

United WE is launching the Rural Research Fellowship because strong rural communities depend on the full participation and success of all their residents. Although women make up roughly half of rural populations–often slightly less than the national share–their contributions are central to family wellbeing, local economic vitality, and civic life. At the same time, rural demographic trends show that younger women are leaving many rural areas at higher rates than men, creating challenges for long-term community sustainability. By advancing research that highlights opportunities to strengthen rural places, United WE is helping rural women and their families and neighbors build more resilient, prosperous communities where everyone can thrive.

Priority Research Topics

United WE welcomes proposals on the following topics, or others consistent with the purpose of the Fellowship. Priority will be given to those topics central to United WE’s mission (indicated by *).

Applicant FAQ