PSAE's Graduate Fellowship Program
Real-World Learning for Future Arts Education Leaders
As part of our commitment to advancing education in and through the arts across South Carolina, Palmetto State Arts Education (PSAE) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our Graduate Fellowship Program.
This fellowship is designed to offer meaningful, real-world experience to graduate students preparing for careers in arts administration, nonprofit management, or education leadership. Through hands-on work and professional mentorship, the program helps cultivate the next generation of nonprofit leaders dedicated to expanding access to high-quality arts education.
Program Goals:
Positions Available: 1 Graduate Fellowship
Start Date: May 15 | End Date: August 15
Estimated Hours Per Week: 10-12
Stipend: $3,000 total
Location: Virtual / At Student Location
Palmetto State Arts Education (PSAE) invites applications for its Graduate Fellowship Program, a unique opportunity for a passionate and motivated graduate student to gain immersive, real-world experience in arts education program planning and nonprofit leadership. This fellowship runs approximately from May 15 through August 15 and is designed to offer valuable professional development in event coordination, marketing, program design, and organizational operations within the field of arts education focused nonprofits. The 2026 Summer Graduate Fellow will also aid in designing and executing research on topics related to leadership in arts education.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must:
Additional Skills (Preferred but Not Required):
The PSAE Graduate Fellow will play an active role in the planning, coordination, and implementation of arts education programs across the organization. Responsibilities include:
Application Requirements:
To apply for the PSAE Graduate Fellowship Program, applicants must submit the following materials:
All application materials must be submitted by May 1 emailed to PSAE’s ED, Jenny Kabool, [email protected].
Applications are an integral part of the selection process. PSAE places a high value on strong communication skills, and the writing sample is a key opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think critically and express ideas clearly. Virtual interviews will be scheduled for top candidates following the application review.
This fellowship is designed to offer meaningful, real-world experience to graduate students preparing for careers in arts administration, nonprofit management, or education leadership. Through hands-on work and professional mentorship, the program helps cultivate the next generation of nonprofit leaders dedicated to expanding access to high-quality arts education.
Program Goals:
- Provide practical learning opportunities in a professional arts education setting
- Support the development of future nonprofit leaders and program planners
- Strengthen PSAE’s mission-driven work through the contributions of skilled graduate students
Positions Available: 1 Graduate Fellowship
Start Date: May 15 | End Date: August 15
Estimated Hours Per Week: 10-12
Stipend: $3,000 total
Location: Virtual / At Student Location
Palmetto State Arts Education (PSAE) invites applications for its Graduate Fellowship Program, a unique opportunity for a passionate and motivated graduate student to gain immersive, real-world experience in arts education program planning and nonprofit leadership. This fellowship runs approximately from May 15 through August 15 and is designed to offer valuable professional development in event coordination, marketing, program design, and organizational operations within the field of arts education focused nonprofits. The 2026 Summer Graduate Fellow will also aid in designing and executing research on topics related to leadership in arts education.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program in arts administration, nonprofit management, or public administration at a college or university in South Carolina, and in good academic standing. Students in arts education or education leadership programs will also be considered with the right experience.
- Demonstrate a strong passion for the arts—and more importantly, arts education.
- Have some prior professional experience with nonprofit organizations.
- Be self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently and efficiently.
- Possess solid time management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
- Be proficient in writing and communication, with a strong command of professional tone and grammar.
- Be comfortable using basic social media platforms and email newsletter tools.
- Have access to a personal phone and laptop computer in good working condition, with video/audio capabilities and standard office software (text documents, spreadsheets, and presentation tools).
- Have experience in research design and methods.
Additional Skills (Preferred but Not Required):
- Prior involvement with nonprofit program planning.
- Basic data management and analysis skills in Excel.
- Confidence in giving presentations to stakeholders or partner organizations.
The PSAE Graduate Fellow will play an active role in the planning, coordination, and implementation of arts education programs across the organization. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting the planning and delivery of PSAE’s signature programs, including the annual arts integration conference, professional development institutes (specifically the Joint Arts Administrators Institute), and targeted training sessions.
- Assisting with event logistics, scheduling, and communication for statewide programs that serve arts educators, teaching artists, and administrators.
- Participating in project design and evaluation efforts that help improve the quality and impact of PSAE programming.
- Creating and managing digital communications, including newsletters, social media content, and program materials.
- Supporting ongoing administrative and planning needs, and representing PSAE in collaborative meetings and public events.
- Leading or co-leading special projects with guidance and support from PSAE staff.
Application Requirements:
To apply for the PSAE Graduate Fellowship Program, applicants must submit the following materials:
- Resume outlining relevant education, experience, and skills.
- Cover letter expressing your interest in the fellowship and how it aligns with your career goals
- Writing sample (500–750 words) responding to the following prompt: Why is arts education important in South Carolina?
- Optional: One letter of recommendation from a professor or academic advisor familiar with your work.
All application materials must be submitted by May 1 emailed to PSAE’s ED, Jenny Kabool, [email protected].
Applications are an integral part of the selection process. PSAE places a high value on strong communication skills, and the writing sample is a key opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think critically and express ideas clearly. Virtual interviews will be scheduled for top candidates following the application review.
