Click here to apply now to our fall program in Dallas!
The deadline to apply is July 15, 2026, with preference given to early applications.
Program dates are: September 8, 15, 22; October 6, 13, 20; and November 3 and 10.
During the year of participation, selected Fellows receive a discounted price of $300 to attend the William F. Buckley Jr. Prize Dinner – this year at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City!
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. The fall programs generally run from early September to mid-November.
For more information or questions about our fall programs in Dallas, and for general information about the program, write to daniel dot heffington at nrinstitute dot org
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.
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.”
THE SYLLABUS
Session I William F. Buckley, Jr. & American Conservatism
Session II Burke, Prudence & the Spirit of Conservatism
Session III The Founders’ Constitution
Session IV Economic Freedom & Political Freedom
Session V Conservatism, Libertarianism & Fusionism
Session VI Conservatism, Democracy & Foreign Policy
Session VII Mediating 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.
FALL PROGRAMS
Applications for our Dallas program can be found here.
- DALLAS, TX: Speakers for the Dallas program have included: NRI Fellow Kathryn Jean Lopez; Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review; Noah Rothman, National Review; Brandon Seitzler, Criswell College; Richard Dougherty and Christopher Wolfe, The University of Dallas; and Robert Lawson, Southern Methodist University.
