Apply to join an interdisciplinary cohort of scholars building careers in the dynamic field of housing.

The University of Chicago’s Kreisman Initiative for Housing Law and Policy is the only effort at the university dedicated to housing scholarship and practice, with the mission of bringing Chicago ideas to bear on housing policy debates, policy making, and legal and business decision making through scholarly research, external engagement, and educational programming.

The Graduate Fellowship Program

The Kreisman Graduate Fellows Program creates a cohort of University of Chicago graduate students from across fields of study who are committed to pursuing careers in housing research or practice. The program runs for one academic year and is open to all graduate students at the University of Chicago, such as those studying law, policy, social services, social sciences, data science, medicine, and business.

During the academic year, Kreisman Fellows take part in a range of professional development activities, including coursework on housing policy and practice, workshops with housing experts, outings to learn more about the housing field, and participation in applied work with local housing organizations. Fellows also receive a stipend of $1,500 to support their professional development.

Activities During the Academic Year

The fellowship includes the required activities during the 2025-2026 Academic Year:

• Enrollment in the course “Urban Housing: Policy & Practice” taught by Professor Emily Talen during the winter quarter, Wed afternoons 12:30 – 2:50 (exceptions are available for advanced PhD students who have completed their coursework). Please check with your program advisor for any restrictions on enrolling for the required course.
• Attendance at three housing-related workshops organized by the Kreisman Initiative throughout the year
• Participation in a Kreisman-sponsored applied housing project in partnership with a local housing organization in the spring or winter quarter for approximately five hours per week (exceptions will be made for PhD students conducting independent research and students with pre-existing housing-related internships).

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates will have:

• A demonstrated commitment to housing scholarship and practice
• Previous work experience in a housing-focused role, such as law, policy, advocacy, philanthropy, real estate, social impact, or activism
• An orientation to multi-disciplinary scholarship and information-sharing
• Ability to work with data and to conduct quantitative analysis preferred
• Interest in applying technological innovations to address urban challenges a plus
• Must be enrolled in a University of Chicago graduate program pursuing a master’s Degree, JD, MD, PhD, or MD

Application and Selection Process

The Fellowship is open to graduate and PhD students in any University of Chicago graduate program. Finalists may be contacted for an interview.

Please note that fellowships are a form of financial aid and may impact recipients’ overall aid eligibility. Please speak to your School or Department’s financial aid officer to learn more.

You can learn more about our current fellows and their projects on the program website.

The application period for the 2025-26 academic year is now open. The deadline is Monday, September 15th.