Purpose
The UC Merced Community and Labor Center, Farmwork and Immigration Graduate Fellowship (2026-2031) is designed to support farmwork and immigration research and education in the San Joaquin Valley (and additional sites may be added).
The Farmwork and Immigration Fellow will be placed with the UC Merced Community and Labor Center. The fellow will contribute research, education and public service on major center projects.
The fellowship is designed to financially support PhD graduate students with experience in farmwork and immigration research and/or education. The fellowship will allow recipients to pursue their graduate degree and career goals.
The award is based on research experience in the center’s areas of farmwork and immigration.
This fellowship application is open to all prospective UC Merced students. If awarded, it is renewable for up to five years total for each recipient.
EXTENDED Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
1. All nominees must be Ph.D. applicants entering their first year of graduate study; or currently enrolled in 12 units in one of the graduate programs
2. Good academic standing
3. Research experience in farmwork and immigration
Support
Recipients will receive a fellowship of $3,200, paid $800 for each of four summer months (May, June, July, August) in their first year of study, with the possibility of renewal.
Review Procedures
Any applicant meeting the criteria above is eligible; applicants must apply directly to the UC Merced Community and Labor Center.
The center faculty director will review all applications and determine which applications meet eligibility requirements. Applications that meet eligibility criteria will be scored with a recommendation. Criteria will include the applicant's alignment with the purpose of the fellowship, and research experience in the fields of farmwork and immigration. Applications and assessments will be forwarded to the center's Executive Director (or their delegate), who will confirm final award decisions.
