The 2025 Sheriffs Fellowship: Friday, November 7th – Thursday, November 13th 2025
All incoming Sheriffs Fellows will be awarded: a $1,500 honorarium, up to $700 in travel costs, and lodging for the duration of the fellowship. Most meals will also be provided.
About The Fellowship
Founded in 2021, the Claremont Institute Sheriffs Fellowship offers training of unparalleled depth and excellence in American political thought and institutions, from the country’s top constitutional experts and political theorists. Fourteen sheriff applicants will be selected for their character, aptitude, accomplishments, zeal, and community reputation to gather for five days to study and discuss the political-philosophical, institutional, and historical arc leading from the American Founding to today’s militant progressivism and multiculturalism, with particular emphasis on the role of law enforcement in maintaining liberty. Discussions will be based on readings from primary sources including John Locke, the Federalist Papers, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England, key court decisions, and the writings and speeches of great statesmen.
The Curriculum
Upon acceptance into the program, fellows will receive a reading packet with designated primary texts and assignments, when applicable, for each course. This year’s curriculum will pay special attention to the dominant political themes animating the American political debate today in our education, media, and national political rhetoric. Fellows will engage in a theoretical and practical study of these themes under the direction of Claremont scholars and summer faculty. In over twenty intensive daily seminars and relaxed evening symposia, Sheriffs Fellows discuss political philosophy and American government with Claremont’s distinguished scholars and senior fellows.
Topics include:
- The Declaration of Independence & the Constitution
- The Statesmanship of George Washington
- The Political Science of The Federalist Papers
- The Abolition of Slavery and Equal Rights Under the Constitution
- The Statesmanship of Abraham Lincoln
- Natural Rights & Natural Law
- Progressivism, the New Deal, and the Great Society
- Conservatism & Modern Liberalism
- The Living Constitution
- The New Left & the Roots of Radical Leftist Ideology
Who Should Apply?
Sheriffs currently serving to protect the United States of America.
Required Information:
- Personal Information
- Personal Statement
- Short Answer Questionnaire
- 2 Recommendations (may be mailed separately)
Location: Orange County, CA
2025 Application Open: December 1, 2024
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Applications are accepted on a rolling basis)
2026 Application Open: December 1, 2025