Rural Research Fellowship
Why United WE is investing in Rural Communities
Strong rural communities are built on the leadership, resilience, and contributions of their residents. Across generations, people in rural areas strengthen families, drive local economic vitality, and sustain civic life. As rural areas navigate demographic shifts, investing in the aspirations and opportunities of young people, including younger women, is a powerful pathway to long-term community sustainability and growth.
By advancing research that highlights opportunities to strengthen rural communities, United WE is helping rural women, families, and neighbors build more resilient, prosperous communities where everyone can thrive.
About the Fellowship
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 informs policymakers and community leaders, leading to nonpartisan policy solutions that improve economic opportunity and quality of life in rural America.
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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.
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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 components include:
An original white paper published by United WE.
Two short-form written pieces that communicate key insights to policymakers and community leaders.
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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 early-career 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.
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Applications for the 2026 Rural Research Fellowship will open February 26, 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.
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 *).
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Barriers to starting or scaling businesses in rural communities
Access to capital
Impacts of women-owned businesses
Business succession
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Labor force participation trends, including obstacles for rural women
Skills acquisition, gaps, and needs
Quality jobs
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Access to and affordability of child care
Paid family leave and family-supportive policies
Elder care and multigenerational caregiving
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Social capital and community networks
Trust in institutions and local information ecosystems
Community engagement, including volunteerism and voter participation
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Availability of primary, maternal, mental, and behavioral health care
Health care workforce
Effects of hospital closures and telehealth expansion
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Broadband access and digital literacy
Availability and quality of rural housing
Mobility barriers
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Early childhood through K-12 education
Impact of school closures and consolidation
Post-secondary opportunities, including trades and apprenticeships
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Implications for civic participation, economic development, and population growth
Drivers and barriers for community development
Intergenerational similarities and differences
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page or email fellows@united-we.org
