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Application Guidelines| Mozilla Fellowships

The application for a Mozilla Fellowship is a two part process - LOI and full application. Only
applicants with successful LOIs will be invited to submit a full application.

Open web activists

Scientists and researchers Open internet engineers
Tech policy
Full Application Deadline: Full Application Deadline:
Monday May 6, 5 PM EDT Monday June 10, 12pm PDT

(The deadline for submitting a LOI for these Application opens May 1.
fellowship specializations was Monday April 8.) LOI deadline: May 30, 2019 at 12:00pm PDT
(​LOI guidelines​)

● You will find the application here: ​https://mozilla.fluxx.io

● A completed full application submitted using Mozilla’s Fluxx ​portal​ is required of all applicants
for the Mozilla Fellowship program.
● All applications must be submitted in English.

Applications will be reviewed by a restricted panel of reviewers made up of Mozilla staff,

organizational partners, and other experts in the discipline(s) of the application. You may also
be invited to participate in an interview as part of the review process.
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In this Document:
Strategic Priority
Who are Mozilla Fellows?
What types of projects do Mozilla Fellows typically work on?
Selection Criteria
Tips for Completing the Application
Instructions for using Mozilla’s Fluxx Portal
Tips for Using Fluxx
Additional Resources

Strategic Priority
As an organization, we have recognized the value and urgency of focusing more efforts on ‘better
machine decision making’ as an impact goal -- it is an issue that touches on everything from online
privacy to digital inclusion to the spread of misinformation. To this end, we want the Mozilla Fellowship to
include many fellows and host organizations that will be able to collaborate to have greater impact in this
area.

To learn more about this impact goal focused on ‘better machine decision making,’ we encourage you to:
● read this ​blog post​ by our Executive Director, Mark Surman
● take a look at the ​wiki​ we set up to serve as a dashboard for the work we’re setting out to do in
this space.
● read this ​issue brief​, which provides more analysis on the goal and what impact looks like.

 
Who are Mozilla Fellows?
Mozilla fellows spend 10 months in a full-time fellowship capacity working on projects to stop the spread
of misinformation, to put individuals in control of their data, to keep artificial intelligence accountable, and
more. They are internet health leaders who ensure smart cities and next-generation voice technology are
diverse and equitable, and who conduct open research. Mozilla Fellows generally fit these profiles:

Open internet engineers

Fellows undertake transformative infrastructure-building projects in countries with low internet
penetration. These engineers work with technical organizations to ensure efficient and affordable
internet transit based on open standards and software.

Open web activists

Fellows who work in the realm of public interest technology, championing issues like privacy,
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security, ethics in machine decision making, and inclusion online. These open web activists
embed at leading human rights and civil society organizations around the world, lending their
technical expertise.

Scientists and researchers

Fellows who infuse open-source practices and principles into scientific research. “Science” is
defined broadly; Fellows may work in the natural sciences, formal and applied sciences, or
humanities, social sciences and library and information sciences. Fellows are based in the
research institution with which they are currently affiliated.

Tech policy professionals

Fellows who examine the interplay of technology and public policy, and craft legal, academic, and
governmental solutions. These tech policy professionals are independent researchers and are not
necessarily matched with a host organization or an institution.

Learn more about ​Mozilla Fellows​.

What types of projects do Mozilla Fellows typically work on?

Fellows use their skill sets — in technology, in activism, in science, in policy — to design products, run
campaigns, influence policy, develop tools, and ultimately lay the groundwork for a more open and
inclusive internet.

● Tech policy proposals | ​Projects could include a focus on legal, academic, and/or governmental
solutions to issues at the intersection of technology and public policy. ​Please note:​ Mozilla
Fellows cannot participate in ‘lobbying’ activities (directly advocating the adoption or repeal of
legislation) as part of their fellowship.
● Science and research proposals | ​Projects must include an output beyond a traditional
research paper, such as the development of tools and/or the creation of learning resources that
help to foster more open practice in science.​ Please note: ​The Mozilla Fellowship program does
not fund research projects.
● Open web activist proposals | ​Projects are focused on public interest technology and could
include building and deploying software and tools, designing and launching public awareness
campaigns, and/or advising on policy issues.
● Open internet engineers ​| Projects are focused on bringing connectivity and introducing
open-source principles to fellows' communities, and could include building Internet Exchange
Point, connecting unconnected schools, or spearheading the construction of national data
centers.

For the 2019-2020 cohort of Mozilla Fellows, we are particularly interested in projects focused on
our impact goal of ‘​better machine decision making​.’
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For inspiration, learn more about projects led by current and previous​ ​Mozilla Fellows​.

Selection Criteria

Mission Driven.​ We’re looking for individuals with a track record of success in the space of their
proposed project, and a dedication to continuing to work in that space after their fellowship year. In
addition to having a long term commitment to working on the issue(s) proposed in their application,
fellows should align with Mozilla’s interests and focus, and be able to easily leverage Mozilla’s strengths
as an organization, i.e. open source ethos, large network of contributors.

Collaboration. ​An ideal candidate for a Mozilla Fellowship should enter the program with a project that
would benefit from feedback and input from Mozilla’s interdisciplinary community. We’re looking for
fellows with an eagerness to share skills and learn new, ​and​ to work in the open.

Impact.​ We’re looking for individuals working on a project where they will make - or be the catalyst for -
significant change, with tangible, measurable results. Fellows should also be able to articulate how the
impact of their project will advance the change they’d like to see in the world.

Leverage. ​Ideal candidates for a Mozilla fellowship will understand how to leverage their proposed
projects to drive change at a wide level. We’re looking for individuals who are able to think about
changing systems, and understand levers of change.

Initiative.​ An ideal candidate for a Mozilla Fellowship is someone who shows a lot of initiative, and will
take charge of the experiences and opportunities given to them. Fellows are expected to manage their
time and resources, and must be comfortable working with a high level of autonomy.

Communication.​ We’re looking for individuals with an interest in advocating for change and/or
popularizing new ideas and approaches, and be comfortable using their voice - whether through written
media or public speaking - to do so. Fellows should also have the ability to explain technology to a broad
audience.

Tips for Completing the Application

How should I describe the project I would like to pursue as a Mozilla Fellow?
You might start by identifying a problem statement your project aims to address, and describe how your
project addresses that issue and contributes to the broader change you’d like to see in the world. Your
project description should also include: information on the potential outcome(s) your project; who you will
collaborate with to achieve the intended impact and outcomes; how you will engage others in your work;
what the tangible, measurable results of your fellowship project will be, and how your project impact
could be communicated and socialized.
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How should I describe think about the impact of my proposed project for the purpose of my
application?
This question is intended to get you thinking about the long-term impact of your fellowship project. When
describing the potential impact of your proposed project, think about the ultimate change in society that
the project could help drive, and how the project you’re proposing relates to your personal vision and
mission. We would also encourage you to think about the stakeholders, communities, or partners you
might need to engage through your project in order to achieve the intended impact as we are particularly
interested in applicants who understand how to leverage their proposed projects to drive change at a
wide level.

Please note:​ Impact is defined as ‘a demonstrable effect, change or benefit, beyond academia’. It
includes, but is not exclusive to, influences on, or changes to: people, society, industry/business, culture,
the economy, public policy, professional practice, and/or the environment.

Can the professional reference and letter of recommendation come from the same person?
We prefer that the letter of recommendation and professional reference come from two different
individuals, but this is not a requirement.

The best letters of recommendation come from people who know you well. We would recommend asking
someone who is not only familiar with your work to date, but also with your larger interests and goals,
and who will be able to discuss in specific detail what distinguishes you from others.

There’s the possibility of uploading videos in the application. Why should I do that?
Video material from a conference or event you have already spoken at helps us a great deal in our
assessment. It allows us to better understand, evaluate and categorize your submission, while also
giving us an impression of your public speaking skills and your ability to communicate your topic. Don’t
worry, these videos are not made public.

Does the video have to be related to my proposed project focus?

Not necessarily, but it can help us better understand your submission. If your video doesn’t have that
much to do with your topic, but can help convince us of your qualities as a speaker, then feel free to use
it.

What level of specificity is expected in the project timeline?

Mozilla Fellows are expected to manage their time and resources, and must be comfortable working with
a high level of autonomy. The project timeline included in your application (​template​) is intended to give
us an overview of how you would spend the 10 months of your fellowship working on your proposed
project, and how you might plan for outcomes and impact throughout that time.
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Why are demographic questions (i.e. age and gender) asked in this application?
Diversity and inclusion is​ ​core to who we are​ at Mozilla. To ensure and measure that our Leadership
program is meeting this goal, we’ve included these questions in this year’s application. The questions
are completely optional. Any information you choose to provide will not be considered for application
purposes and will be treated as confidential.

Instructions for using Mozilla’s Fluxx Portal

1. In order to complete your application, you will need to use the link sent to you from Fluxx to set up
your password.
a. Click the link in the automated email from Fluxx and follow the instructions on setting up
an account, username and password.
b. If you are having difficulty with this process, please email ​grants@mozillafoundation.org​.

2. Complete the ​application form​ and click S

​ ubmit Request
a. You will find the Fellowship Full Application in “Drafts” on the Dashboard.
b. You must answer all bolded questions.
c. The application does not auto save. You must click “save” in the lower left hand corner of
your application.

3. Once you click ​Submit Request​, you should see that your application has been moved to the
“Submitted Requests” section of your Dashboard.
a. Within 2 business days you will receive a confirmation email that your application has
been submitted successfully. If you have not received a confirmation email within two
business days please email ​grants@mozillafoundation.org​.

Tips for Using Fluxx

● Fluxx is not mobile friendly. ​Plan to complete your application using a laptop or desktop
computer.
● To save and return to your application​, click the Save button at the bottom of your screen.
● Saved applications can be found in the Drafts section​ of the portal. To continue working on a
saved application, click the Edit button at the top of your screen.
● Only click the ​Submit Request​ button when the page is complete​. Once you submit, you will
no longer be able to edit the application.
● Submit ahead of the deadline.​ Because many people will be trying to submit on ​May 6​, we
advise you to submit in advance in case you have any technical difficulties or questions.
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● Spaces are considered characters​ in the character count system used in Fluxx.
NOTE:​ If you are receiving an error message when attempting to submit your application (or think
Fluxx is over counting your characters when you copy and paste answers into the application), try
typing your answer directly into the application.
● If you need additional assistance using Fluxx​, please email ​grants@mozillafoundation.org​.

Additional Resources

Take a look at these resources:

● Fellowship FAQ
● Fellowship ​website

What if I have more questions?

You are welcome to reach out to the fellowship team with questions about the application at
fellowships@mozillafoundation.org​.

If you need additional assistance using Fluxx, please email ​grants@mozillafoundation.org​. (Please note
that ​Mozilla staff are only available to provide technical support with Fluxx Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm
EDT.)