Back to top

This one-year fellowship is awarded to an exceptional College graduate to help them launch a career in human rights. The fellowship award supports one year of work after graduation at a non-governmental organization, government agency, or international body dedicated to human rights.

The award is offered during even-numbered years and includes a stipend of $56,000 for 12 months of full-time work.

It was named for Dr. Aizik Wolf, AB’77, a longtime supporter of the College. Dr. Wolf was born in Bogota, Colombia, practices neurosurgery in Miami, and regularly donates medical services and equipment to projects in Latin America.

We have held a competition for the fellowship since 2007. Past fellows have spent their first year after graduation working both domestically and internationally on issues related to labor, gender, religion, criminal justice, youth, and land conservation.

Watch an info session with the most recent Wolf Fellow, Will Jaffe, AB'22:

How to Apply

  • Applications are closed until 2026.

Eligibility

  • University of Chicago College undergraduate students graduating during the 2024-25 or 2025-26 academic years who have taken at least two Human Rights courses at the University are eligible to apply.
  • The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to make a significant contribution to the host organization and also show a record of leadership, involvement, and commitment to human rights and social impact.
  • Priority will be given to applicants with a major or minor in Human Rights, or those who have completed a Human Rights Internship and propose returning to their internship organization or working in a similar issue area.
  • Other applicants with comparable experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Criteria

Complete applications include:

  1. Completed application form, including essay questions
  2. CV or resume
  3. Letter of support from the proposed host organization
  4. Two letters of recommendation

Host Organization Letter of Support

  • The application requires a letter of support from the proposed host organization.
  • This letter should indicate the organization’s support for the applicant’s proposed project and its commitment to providing the applicant with workspace and adequate supervision if they receive the award.
  • Letters should be on letterhead, if possible.

Recommendation Letters

  • Each applicant is required to obtain two letters of recommendation. 
  • Letters must be uploaded directly by the recommenders themselves using this form.
  • Recommenders should be familiar with applicants' work and able to speak to their ability to work successfully in an organization.
  • Letters could come from a supervisor, instructor, or non-family member.

Learn More

For more information, contact Deputy Director Adam Avrushin.

2024 Aizik Wolf Fellow

Noah Tesfaye

Freedom Archives // Berkeley, California

Noah Tesfaye graduated from the College in 2023 with a major in Political Science and Critical Race & Ethnic Studies. 

Tesfaye will work with the Freedom Archives ("Archives), a unique non-profit educational archive in Berkeley, California. The Archives is dedicated to the preservation of historical audio, video, and print materials documenting progressive movements and cultures from the 1960s to the 1990s. The Archives offers a youth program focused on engagement with these historical materials, provides media production training, and produces original documentaries and educational resources.

Tesfay will suppor the Archive's ongoing endeavors and help develop and implement a communications plan to increase its visibility. 

Past Fellows

2022: William Jaffe

2021: Thomas Hagan

2020: Michelle Yang

2019: Emma Perez

2018: Alex Ding

2017: Zach Taylor