Colibrí Fellowship at MIRA
MIRA is pleased to announce the Colibrí Fellowship in partnership with The Resurrection Project. The Fellowship aims to strengthen the capacity of community-based immigration legal services in New England. The opportunity is open to staff or long-term volunteers of community-based organizations who intend to become DOJ Partially Accredited Representatives.
Program Design
Fellows will participate in intensive training and will receive support with the application to become DOJ Partially Accredited Representatives. Fellows will be expected to spend 10-15 hours a week on coursework and fellowship activities, and participate in all Fellowship components, including the in-person gatherings and two overnight retreats. The Fellowship will run from September 25, 2025 through early June 2026.
Program components:
- Free registration in the Villanova Immigration Studies Training for Advocates program
- Weekly virtual discussion classes and study sessions
- Monthly in-person gatherings at MIRA’s offices with opportunities to be in a community of peers (travel stipend may be available for those traveling more than 90 miles)
- Participation in a launch overnight retreat (Sept 25-26) and a mid-year retreat (January 2026)
- Match with a mentor
- Mentoring and support with the DOJ Recognition and Accreditation application process
- Opportunities to participate in application preparation events (ex: citizenship, TPS)
- Access to office hours to receive individualized support with course content and application process
Application Process
Each organization may nominate up to two individuals for the Fellowship. Applications can be submitted by completing the application form and submitting the required additional documents. Deadline for applications is July 25, 2025. There will be three virtual informational sessions in June and July.
Requirements to be considered for the Fellowship are:
- Nominating organization must have 501(c)(3) status, or must have an application for 501(c)(3) status already pending
- Organization must have a demonstrated commitment to serving immigrant communities, as evidenced by their mission and work and be located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine or Connecticut
- Organization must have the capacity to sustain one or more DOJ Accredited Representatives
- Both organization and individual nominated must be eligible to apply for accreditation/recognition per the criteria found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 1292.11–1292.20.
- Organizations and individuals are expected to submit applications for DOJ Recognition and/or Accreditation within 6 months of program completion.
Questions? Contact Jessica Chicco at jchicco@miracoalition.org
Information Sessions
Join us at one of the upcoming virtual information sessions to learn more about the Fellowship, what it sets out to accomplish, eligibility and expectations for Fellows, and the application process!