Joy of Giving Something (JGS) Undergrad Fellowship 2026
Are you an undergraduate student passionate about photography or digital media and committed to making a positive impact in your community? Then this could be your moment! The Joy of Giving Something (JGS) Fellowship, hosted in partnership with Imagining America (IA), is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 cohort—and it’s designed just for students like you.
What is the JGS Fellowship?
The JGS Fellowship is more than just a scholarship—it’s a national platform for undergraduate students who use photography and digital media as tools for social change. Designed to support students from economically and socially challenging backgrounds, the program empowers them with the tools, mentorship, and network needed to shape their careers and community engagement.
Each selected fellow will:
- Receive a $2,000 tuition scholarship.
- Obtain financial and mentorship support to carry out a community-engaged creative project.
- Attend the Imagining America National Gathering at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces from October 3–5, 2025 — with all travel and registration costs fully covered.
- Join virtual learning exchanges throughout the year.
- Be connected with a national network of artists, scholars, and changemakers.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be undergraduate students currently enrolled at, or sponsored by, an Imagining America (IA) member institution or cultural organization.
- Work in photography and/or digital media.
- Demonstrate artistic merit, community engagement, and financial need.
- Be open to collaborative projects that address real community issues.
Note: First-generation college students are especially encouraged to apply, although the program is open to students from all majors and backgrounds.
Application Requirements
Your application must include:
- Online application form: https://imaginingamerica.org/what-we-do/fellowships/jgs-fellows/
- Three creative work samples in photography/digital media.
- Proof of financial need (FAFSA, SAR, or institutional/governmental documentation).
- Letter of recommendation from a faculty/staff member or community organization representative.
Short Answer Prompts Include:
- A brief biographical statement (500 characters).
- How this program aligns with your goals (750 characters).
- Your motivation for using photography/digital media in public work (750 characters).
- Ideas for a collaborative community project (1000 characters).
Application Timeline
- Application Period: May 1 – July 14, 2025
- Selection & Notification: July 2025
- Virtual Exchanges Begin: August–September 2025
- National Gathering (Las Cruces, NM): October 3–5, 2025
- Community Projects & Continued Engagement: November 2025 – May 2026
- Program Concludes: June 2026.