George Mason University’s Mercatus Center is accepting applications for the Don Lavoie Fellowship Program, an online political economy fellowship offering up to $1,250 in funding.
George Mason University, through its internationally respected Mercatus Center, is now accepting applications for the Don Lavoie Fellowship Program, a competitive and fully online academic fellowship offering a total award of up to $1,250. This semester-long program is designed for students and early-career professionals who are eager to explore how institutions, knowledge, and incentives shape economic and social outcomes.
The fellowship honors the legacy of Don Lavoie, a renowned scholar of political economy, by introducing participants to foundational ideas that continue to influence academic research and public policy debates today.
About the Don Lavoie Fellowship Program
The Don Lavoie Fellowship is a structured, online learning experience that introduces participants to key traditions in political economy. Hosted by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, the program combines guided readings, expert-led discussions, and collaborative learning to help participants develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
The fellowship is conducted entirely online, making it accessible to participants from around the world. Fellows engage through a dedicated learning portal and participate in reading groups facilitated by respected scholars and practitioners in the field.
Academic Focus and Learning Experience
Participants in the Don Lavoie Fellowship explore major schools of thought within political economy, including:
- The Austrian School, with its emphasis on market processes, entrepreneurship, and knowledge problems
- The Virginia School, known for its work on public choice and constitutional political economy
- The Bloomington School, which focuses on institutional analysis, governance, and collective action
Through readings and discussions, fellows gain a deeper understanding of how political and economic institutions function, how incentives influence behavior, and how knowledge is generated and applied within societies.
The program is designed to be intellectually rigorous while remaining accessible to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Financial Support and Program Benefits
One of the key advantages of the Don Lavoie Fellowship is its combination of academic enrichment and financial support. Selected fellows receive a total award of up to $1,250, which includes:
- A stipend to support participation
- All required readings provided at no cost
This funding ensures that participants can focus fully on their learning experience without additional financial burden.
Mentorship and Professional Development
Beyond coursework, the fellowship offers meaningful career mentorship and networking opportunities. Fellows gain access to a global network of Mercatus Center alumni who have gone on to pursue careers in academia, public policy, research, and related fields.
Participants also receive guidance from experienced scholars on topics such as:
- Preparing for graduate school
- Developing research interests
- Navigating academic and professional career paths
This mentorship component makes the fellowship especially valuable for those considering advanced study or research-focused careers.
Who Should Apply
The Don Lavoie Fellowship is open to applicants from any academic discipline, not only economics. The Mercatus Center encourages applications from individuals who are curious about political economy and motivated to engage in thoughtful academic discussion.
Eligible applicants include:
- Graduate students currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program
- Advanced undergraduate students who are considering graduate school
- Recent graduates or early-career professionals planning to pursue further academic study
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in ideas, institutions, and social analysis, as well as a willingness to engage actively in an online learning environment.
Why This Fellowship Matters
In an increasingly complex world, understanding how institutions and incentives shape outcomes is critical. The Don Lavoie Fellowship equips participants with analytical tools that are valuable across disciplines, including economics, political science, law, public policy, philosophy, and beyond.
By fostering rigorous thinking and open intellectual exchange, the program helps build a community of scholars and professionals who are better prepared to contribute thoughtfully to academic research and public discourse.
Application Deadline and Final Thoughts
Applications for the Don Lavoie Fellowship Program close on 15 April 2026. Given the competitive nature of the program, interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and clearly articulate their academic interests and goals.
For advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates seeking a flexible, intellectually challenging fellowship with financial support, the Don Lavoie Fellowship at George Mason University represents a valuable opportunity to grow academically and professionally while joining a vibrant global community of thinkers.
APPLY HERE
Join our WhatsApp Channel: Click here to join
Join our Telegram Channel: Click here to join
