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 19 – 21, 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 will conduct the interview in late-February with a review panel of Advisory Board members, staff, students, and Fellows.
2026-2027 Required Events and Activities
Students accepted into the Blackburn Institute’s 2026 New Student Class are required to attend the following events. The Institute will provide transportation to all required off-campus events. Events for the 2027 New Student Class will be updated in December 2026.
Events
New Student Orientation
Mar 01
Time 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location UA Student Center
D. Ray Pate New Student Retreat
Mar 27 – Mar 28
Time 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location Off-Campus
Annual Networking Dinner
Apr 13
Time 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location Birmingham, AL
Annual Symposium
Aug 28 – Aug 29
Time 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location Tuscaloosa, AL
Pre-Trip Preparation Meeting
Sep 27
Time 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location UA Student Center
Burt Jones Rural Community Experience
Oct 28 – Oct 31
Time 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location Off-Campus
Post-Trip Debriefing
Nov 08
Time 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location UA Student Center
Daniel Community Scholars Poster Presentations and Reception
Nov 18
Time 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location UA Student Center
Pre-Trip Preparation Meeting
Jan 20
Time 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location UA Student Center
Protective Life Government Experience
Feb 03 – Feb 04
Time 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location Montgomery, AL
Post-Trip Debriefing
Feb 07
Time 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location UA Student Center
Program Activities
Additionally, selected students commit to the following program activities:
- Advising meetings in the Fall 2026 Semester with Blackburn Institute staff members;
- Group work necessary to research and plan (Fall 2026), and implement (Spring 2027) a class civic engagement project; and
- Monthly small-group meetings (September, October, and November 2026, and February 2027).
Expectations of Blackburn Membership
Blackburn students are nominated and selected from current undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who have demonstrated leadership potential. Students must be enrolled and in good standing at The University of Alabama. Students are expected to participate actively in the Institute’s curriculum to remain in good standing with the organization.
Selection as a Blackburn student does not automatically assure that one will be named a Blackburn Fellow upon graduation. The removal of a Blackburn student may be carried out for the following reasons:
- The student’s lack of participation in Institute activities. Lack of participation is defined as the failure to complete required components of the first-year curriculum or to participate in any Blackburn Institute activities for a three-month period (excluding May, June, and July).
- The student is no longer enrolled or in good standing at The University of Alabama.
- At the student’s request.