The selection process takes place during the late in the fall and early in the spring semesters and consists of four stages: nomination, application, group interview, and individual interview. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the “About Us” section of the website to learn more about the Blackburn Institute’s vision, mission, and values.
| Nomination: November 7, 2016 – January 12, 2017 |
| Students may self-nominate or be nominated by a member of the university’s faculty or staff, Blackburn Fellows (alumni), Students, or Advisory Board members using the form available at https://sa-app01.ua.edu/blackburn/public/nomination. We seek students who: |
| * demonstrate interest and leadership relating to public policy; * indicate strong interest in exploring issues facing the state of Alabama; * demonstrate their ability to contribute progressive leadership on issues; * demonstrate a clear concept of local, state or national issues; and * have at least one full year remaining as a student (undergraduate or graduate) at the University of Alabama. |
| Nominees receive notification of their nomination for potential selection into The University of Alabama’s Blackburn Institute via e-mail. Nominees are also invited to a New Member Interest Session, where they learn more about the Institute and the selection process, as well as meet current Blackburn students and have a chance to ask questions. |
| Application: January 18 – 31, 2017 |
| In mid- to late-January, nominated students who are interested in the institute will then complete an application consisting of one essay question. Essays are evaluated anonymously by a panel of Blackburn Fellows, Advisory Board members, Students, and campus staff members. |
| Group Interview: February 14 – 16, 2017 |
| All applicants participate in a small-group interview with other applicants in mid-February. The panel of observers for the group interviews will typically consist of two Blackburn students, plus one additional member of the Blackburn community (staff, Fellow, or Advisory Board member). |
| Individual Interview: February 23 – 25, 2017 |
| A combined score from both the application essay and group interview performance is used to determine the students selected for individual interviews. Selected students will be notified by e-mail and then hold a personal interview in late-February with a review panel of advisory board members, staff, students, and fellows. |
Students accepted into the Blackburn Institute as part of the 2017 class will be required to attend the following events.
Additionally, selected students commit to the following program activities:
