Education Fellow
For over 20 years, the Sikh Coalition, a national community-based civil rights organization, has defended Sikh civil liberties in the courtroom, classroom, community, and halls of Congress. Whether it’s working to secure safer schools, combat and prevent hate and discrimination, create equal employment opportunities and access, or empower local Sikh communities, the Sikh Coalition’s goal is working towards a world where Sikhs and other religious and racial minorities in America may freely practice their faith without bias and discrimination.
The Sikh Coalition is a nonpartisan, civil rights nonprofit with nearly 20 full-time staff and over one hundred volunteers, operating on a $2.4+ million budget with complete financial transparency. Our funding comes from grants, private foundations, and individual donors. We receive no funding from any government agencies.
We strive to do this work with integrity (sach), selflessness (seva), and the lasting belief that our shared work holds a greater purpose (sangarsh). We relentlessly pursue our goals while putting the community and these values first.
Position Summary:
The Sikh Coalition is seeking Education Fellows from Michigan, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma to support our 2025 Education Fellowship Program. This Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Sikh education, curriculum development, and advocacy. Fellows will work on Sikh awareness presentations (SAPs), research on Sikh figures and history, and digital outreach to strengthen Sikh representation in educational spaces.
Responsibilities:
- Support Sikh awareness presentations (SAPs) and educational training in schools.
- Conduct research on Sikh figures and historical events to support curriculum development.
- Assist in updating state education standards to track Sikh representation in curricula.
- Engage with gurdwaras and community organizations to distribute educational materials.
- Contribute to the “Who Are You Really From?” (WAYRF) initiative through focus groups and outreach.
- Develop digital toolkits for educators to ensure accurate teaching of Sikhism.
- Organize digital engagement initiatives, such as Instagram Live or YouTube Q&A sessions.
- Advocate for Sikhi educational training/curricula in targeted states.
- Conduct outreach to college student demographics for education-based engagement.
Qualifications:
- College student or recent graduate with an interest in education and advocacy.
- Passionate about curriculum development and Sikh representation in schools.
- Self-motivated, organized, and capable of independent and team-based work.
- Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work on weekends for outreach events.
- Transportation access for in-person engagement (preferred).
Fellowship Details:
- Hybrid role: Fellows will engage in both in-person community work and remote research.
- Commitment: 5-10 hours per week from June – August 2025.
- Stipend: $1,000 for the full fellowship.
- Training: Fellows will receive training from Sikh Coalition staff, education experts, and advocacy leaders.
- Supervision: Fellows will be managed by the Education and Community Development teams.
- College Credit: The Sikh Coalition can verify for college credit or volunteer hours where applicable.
To Apply:
Please apply online with a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 15, 2025.