Big Ideas,
Real Impact.

The YIM Macro Research Fellowship is an academic year long program from Fall 2026-Spring 2027, designed for social science students who are ready to move beyond the classroom and into real policy work.

Fellows will work together focusing on a policy issue connected these  Research Tracks:

• AI & Mental Health Access: Ethical use of AI chatbots for low-income alternatives to mental health assistance, ethical use of AI usage in mental health field

• Digital Surveillance: Protecting client data privacy in child welfare predictive analytics.

• The Digital Divide: Expanding Medicaid reimbursement for AI-augmented Telehealth.

Fellows develop and produce an original policy brief, receive monthly mentorship from a macro social work professional, and have a chance to present their research at the end of the semester in Washington, DC.

Fellows produce real research on real systemic issues affecting real communities, and walk away with a tangible work product, a mentor relationship, and a network that extends beyond their university.

Who Should Apply

• Students in social work, psychology, public health, public policy students, and related fields. (Undergraduate/Graduate level) Recent graduates are welcome.

• Strong interest in policy and technology advancement in the mental health field.

• Efficient writing skills