The LGBTQ+ Policy Center at Roosevelt House is proud to host the Pride Policy Fellowship for Hunter College students each academic year. Applications open during the Spring semester, and we invite students seeking funding for a research project on LGBTQ+ issues or for an unpaid summer internship in LGBTQ+ policy to apply. The Pride Policy Fellowship is a key way in which the Policy Center meets its mission to support students’ academic and field experience in LGBTQ+ Politics in New York City and State. Those selected for the fellowship will receive a $5000 stipend to support their work in LGBTQ+ policy. Please note, the fellowship cannot be combined with another work stipend or other research funding.
To apply, a student should:
- Be an active, degree-seeking student at Hunter College. Students should intend to register for the subsequent Fall term (the first semester of their research project or the semester following their summer internship).
- Propose a research project on LGBTQ+ issues to work on during the upcoming academic year OR have been selected for an unpaid summer internship related to LGBTQ+ issues. Interns must work at least 20 hours a week.
Applications for the next Pride Policy Fellowship cycle will open during Fall 2025— check back here for updates and an application link!
Meet our 2025-2026 Pride Policy Fellows!
Chinara Amaukwu (she/her) is a rising senior and Athena Scholar, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Women and Gender Studies and a concentration in Women’s Studies. Throughout her time at Hunter, Chinara’s interest in Queer history has advanced, align with advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals and constructing significant systemic change. Chinara is excited to be working at Councilmember Tiffany Cabán’s office, supporting constituents with their needs and being active in the community through public outreach and public community events. As a Queer identifying person, Chinara believes that being selected a Pride Fellow has been a tremendous opportunity, and hopes to grow more in her personal and academic life through the experiences she gains
Kanishka Awasthi (they/them), is a Resident-Alien, Pride Policy Fellow 2025, Thomas Hunter Honors Program Scholar, Poet and the founder of the book-club/artist collective Chai Coffee Lit. They have been the recipient of the Mellon Public Humanities and Social Justice Research Grant and The Audre Lorde Prize. Over the period of their academic journey, they’ve been driven to find ways to make ways and spread the insights that they gain, through their academics and creative practice, to the community. They aim to come up with a deeper understanding of people’s experiences, shared troubles and joys.
