Leadership Education and Restorative Practices

Learn more about our programs and offerings. 

The William Delahunt ’63 Bridgebuilding Fellowship

At a time of increasing polarization at home and abroad, this selective fellowship program brings together a cohort of student leaders from across Middlebury to build their capacities to solve problems within their organizations and communities. Building bridges across different perspectives is at the heart of a liberal arts education, and these skills also offer ways to address conflict in constructive ways. This fellowship carries forward the approach of Congressman Delahunt, equipping students with skills and frameworks to build trust and navigate complex challenges with curiosity, empathy, and purpose.

Fellows will:

• receive intensive training in bridgebuilding skills – asking open questions, engagement with diverse stakeholders, and identifying common interests. 
• meet monthly to discuss challenging issues, refine their skills, and identify constructive approaches to the conflicts they manage as leaders.
• receive a stipend upon completion of this six-month program (September – March).

Applications for the 2026-27 Fellowship open May 6 and close on May 18. Notifications of selection will be announced by June 1.

Apply here: Delahunt Fellowship Application

About Congressman William “Bill” Delahunt (1941-2024): Delahunt, Middlebury Class of 1963, believed that politics could be both practical and noble. He asked curious questions to understand others’ interests, he was willing to try new approaches to challenging issues, and he built personal relationships through which he could address meaningful differences.Delahunt’s public service began with the Coast Guard, the Quincy (MA) City Council, and the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Then, as district attorney of Norfolk County for 20 years, he created the nation’s first domestic violence unit. Delahunt served in the US Congress for fourteen years (1997-2011). Watch a Congressman D. William Delahunt Tribute Video and read his memorium.

Peer Conflict Coaches

Sponsored by the Conflict Transformation Collaborative, Peer Conflict Coaches play a critical role in supporting students through conflict resolution processes. Trained in multiple modalities, they assist, coach, and facilitate a range of peer conflicts. Whether through conflict coaching, mediation, restorative processes, or dialogue, Peer Conflict Coaches help individuals navigate disputes with empathy and skill. 

Adaptable Resolution

Middlebury uses an Adaptable Resolution framework to facilitate processes grounded in the principles of restorative justice and designed to address harm that happens within our community.

Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices (RP) at Middlebury is a set of principles and practices for:  

• Building community
• Leadership and leadership training
• Responding to harm when it occurs