The life of the mind should be accessible to all who seek it. The highest level of education should give a person the tools to attack life's hardest questions and wrestle with meaning itself.
To that end, the New York Philosophical Society brings together individually and collectively impressive fellows to form a socio-intellectual community centered on the close study of the greatest wisdom traditions of the ancient world and to develop outstanding character, moral courage, and a genuine love of wisdom.
Fellows meet one to two times per week in Midtown Manhattan for extended seminars of two to three hours. Between sessions, fellows are expected to complete 10–15 hours of independent reading.
The program runs from July 12 through August 23, 2026. It is fully funded, and students with financial need also receive a stipend to help cover materials and transportation.
The Academy Fellowship emphasizes an open, rigorous, and collaborative approach to learning. The program is designed around the Socratic method: close reading, sustained dialogue, and the willingness to follow an argument wherever it leads.
Seminars are small by design to ensure that every voice is heard and every idea genuinely tested. Faculty do not lecture, but guide discussion with questions.
The curriculum spans the great philosophical traditions of the ancient world.
The scholars and mentors helping guide students through the Fellowship.
After studying Classics at Harvard University, Cole received a full scholarship to study Ancient Philosophy at the University of Oxford, where he taught Ancient Greek for two years after graduation. Cole is a founder of NYPS and speaks nine languages.
Harrison studied Mathematics, Astrophysics, and Philosophy at the University of Chicago before beginning his career at Bridgewater Associates. Harrison leads the admissions and interview process for the Fellowship.
We are looking for students who are intellectually curious, introspective, and willing to have their thinking challenged. We are more interested in how you think and what you care about than in your academic achievement. There is no ideal background or profile.
No prior philosophy background is required or expected. Many of our strongest fellows have never taken a philosophy class. What matters is your willingness to read carefully and engage honestly.
The Academy Fellowship is open to rising juniors, rising seniors, and incoming college freshmen. Applicants must be between 16 and 19 years old for the duration of the Fellowship.
The program is entirely free of charge. Students with financial need will receive a stipend to cover materials and transportation. Financial need is determined through a brief, confidential section of the application.
Fellows meet 1–2 times per week in person for extended seminar in Midtown Manhattan and are expected to complete 10–15 hours of independent reading to prepare for each session.
The program is a day program. Fellows commute to Midtown Manhattan for weekly seminars. Transportation stipends are available for those with demonstrated financial need.
For any questions you have which were not adequately answered by one of our FAQs, please reach out to us at fellowship@nyphilosophy.org and we will be happy to speak with you.
