Our selection process occurs during the late fall and early spring semesters and includes four stages: nomination, application, group interview, and individual interview. Before beginning the selection process, 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. Below are the selection deadlines and details for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Nominations
August 1, 2025 – January 14, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
Nominees receive notification of their nomination via e-mail.
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. We seek students who:
- indicate strong interest in learning about issues facing the state of Alabama;
- demonstrate a desire and a capacity to lead through campus and community involvement;
- have a particular passion for improving their community, state, or nation;
- demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively to take strategic action;
- demonstrate an openness to dialogue with others holding disparate views on public policy, civic engagement, and community action;
- bring unique life experiences and ideas; and
- have at least one full year remaining as a student (undergraduate or graduate from any major/discipline) at The University of Alabama.
Interest Session
January 14, 2026 (5 – 7 p.m.)
Nominees and students who are curious about the Blackburn Institute are invited to an 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 15 (12 p.m.) – January 26, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
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 Interviews
February 10 – 12, 2026
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 a Blackburn staff member, a current Blackburn student, and another member of our community (student, Fellow, or Advisory Board member).
Individual Interviews
February 26 – 28, 2026
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 conduct the interview in late-February with a review panel of Advisory Board members, staff, students, and Fellows.
2025-2026 Required Events and Activities
Students accepted into the Blackburn Institute’s 2025 New Student Class are required to attend the following events. The Institute will provide transportation to all required off-campus events. Events for the 2026 New Student Class will be updated in November.
Events
New Student Orientation
Mar 02
Time 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
D. Ray Pate New Student Retreat
Mar 28 – May 29
Time 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location Off-Campus
Annual Networking Dinner sponsored by Vulcan Materials Company Foundation
Apr 14
Time 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location Birmingham, Al
Annual Symposium
Aug 22 – Aug 23
Time 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Pre-Trip Preparation Meeting (TBD)
Sep 28
Time 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Pre-Trip Preparation Meeting (TBD, Alternate Date)
Sep 28
Time 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Burt Jones Rural Community Experience
Oct 29 – Nov 01
Time 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location Off-Campus
Post-Trip Debriefing
Nov 09
Time 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Daniel Community Scholars Poster Presentations and Reception
Nov 19 – Nov 06
Time 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Pre-Trip Preparation Meeting
Jan 07
Time 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Protective Life Government Experience
Jan 22 – Jan 23
Time 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location Montgomery, AL
Post-Trip Debriefing
Feb 01
Time 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Program Activities
Additionally, selected students commit to the following program activities:
- Advising meetings in the Fall 2025 Semester with Blackburn Institute staff members;
- Group work necessary to research and plan (Fall 2025), and implement (Spring 2026) a class civic engagement project; and
- Monthly small-group meetings (September, October, and November 2025, and February 2026).