2025–2026 Joy of Giving Something (JGS) Fellowship

Omran Aburayya
May 4
2 min read

If you're an undergraduate student passionate about using photography or digital media to drive social change, the 2025–2026 Joy of Giving Something (JGS) Fellowship offers a transformative opportunity. This program supports students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing mentorship, funding, and a national platform to amplify their creative work.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

Location: United States (with virtual components and in-person gathering in Las Cruces, New Mexico)
Host Institution: Imagining America (IA)
Academic Level: Undergraduate
Target Group: Undergraduate students at IA member institutions or sponsored by IA member cultural institutions
Fields of Focus: Photography and digital media with a focus on community engagement
Award Value and Coverage:
- $2,000 tuition scholarship
- Mentorship and financial support for a community project
- Complimentary registration and travel support for IA’s National Gathering
Award Duration: One academic year (August 2025 – June 2026)
Application Deadline: July 14, 2025
Start Date: August 2025
Eligible To: Undergraduate students at IA member institutions or sponsored by IA member cultural institutions; students from all majors are encouraged to apply.

📝 Fellowship Overview

The IA/JGS Fellows Program is designed to elevate photography and digital media as pathways for undergraduate students to pursue their careers and make a difference in their communities. The program specifically aims to support students for whom economic and family circumstances render such career pathways particularly challenging. Throughout the fellowship year, fellows will receive mentorship, participate in virtual learning exchanges, and engage with a national network of scholars, artists, and community organizers.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Tuition Scholarship: $2,000 to support educational expenses.
Community Project Support: Mentorship and financial assistance to develop and implement a community-engaged project.
National Gathering Participation: Attend Imagining America’s National Gathering at New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM) from October 3–5, 2025, with complimentary registration and travel support.
Professional Development: Engage in regular virtual learning exchanges and connect with a national network of professionals in the field.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Enrollment: Undergraduate students enrolled at an IA member higher education institution or sponsored by an IA member cultural institution.
Artistic Practice: Demonstrated experience in photography and/or digital media.
Community Engagement: Evidence of an existing community-engaged practice.
Financial Need: Proof of financial need through FAFSA, SAR, or documentation from a verifiable institutional or governmental entity.
First-Generation Status: While not mandatory, first-generation college students are highly encouraged to apply.
Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens.

🗓️ Application Timeline

Application Period: May 1 – July 14, 2025
Selection & Notification: July 2025
Virtual Exchanges Begin: August–September 2025
National Gathering: October 3–5, 2025
Community Projects & Continued Engagement: November 2025 – May 2026
Program Conclusion: June 2026

📄 Application Procedure

To apply, candidates must submit:

Online Application Form: Includes short answer questions addressing biographical information, alignment with fellowship goals, and motivation for using photography or digital media in community engagement. [ACCESSIBLE HERE]
Work Samples: Three pieces showcasing skills in photography and/or digital media.
Proof of Financial Need: Documentation such as FAFSA, SAR, or equivalent institutional/governmental records.
Letter of Recommendation: From a faculty member or professional familiar with the applicant’s work.