National Review Institute

A Burke to Buckley Fellow speaks during a dinner discussion

Education Program

Burke to Buckley Fellowship Program

The Burke to Buckley Fellowship is a seven-session series for mid-career professionals. Through classic readings and spirited discussion, Fellows gain a deeper understanding of conservative thought, practice civil discourse, and build personal and professional connections.

Sessions
7
Fellows per cohort
~20
Years of the Program
11
Alumni
Nearly 1,000

The Experience

Fellows gather for evening discussions following a syllabus that fosters a rigorous examination of conservative principles and how they apply to the issues of the day. Prior to each session, participants complete a reading assignment which typically takes between one and two hours to complete. Fellows consider a different topic each meeting with an expert Discussion Leader.

Seven Sessions

The Syllabus

Burke to Buckley Fellows around a square dinner table in discussion
  1. Session IWilliam F. Buckley, Jr. & American Conservatism
  2. Session IIBurke, Prudence & the Spirit of Conservatism
  3. Session IIIThe Founders’ Constitution
  4. Session IVEconomic Freedom & Political Freedom
  5. Session VConservatism, Libertarianism & Fusionism
  6. Session VIConservatism, Democracy & Foreign Policy
  7. Session VIIMediating Structures, the Conservative Spirit & Civic Gratitude

The Fellows

Each cohort is composed of approximately 20 mid-career professionals, representing a wide variety of professions and industries outside public policy. Applicants should have between 10 and 25 years of professional work experience. This program is not intended for recent graduates or people working in the fields of public policy or politics. Applicants for the program generally live in or within the vicinity of the city to which they are applying as travel expenses are not provided by NRI.

The Details

A fee of $950 will be charged upon acceptance into the program to cover a portion of the cost of the program, meals, and discussion leaders (speakers). Fellows receive the readings in advance of the program.

The Alumni Network

Upon completion, Fellows join an alumni network of nearly one thousand professionals in varied fields located across the country. Fellows and alumni receive invitations to exclusive networking and social events including happy hours and further NRI programming.

Alumni Testimonials

“A great way to build lasting connections with remarkable people.”
“A rare opportunity to learn more about conservative thought from leading scholars and engage with new friends.”
“Valuable time with phenomenal individuals.”
“Listening to others and having your own thoughts critiqued is a potent form of learning.”

Stand athwart with us.

Readers and supporters keep this mission in print and online.