Newman Civic Fellows – Campus Application

Campus Compact

The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. The award, administered through Campus Compact, recognizes student leaders who:

  • Take action in pursuit of long-term positive social change
  • Inspire and engage others
  • Demonstrate the motivation and potential for effective long-term civic engagement
  • Are members of the class of 2024 or 2025 (note:  UConn gives preference to sophomores in this competition)

 

The Newman Civic Fellowship does not carry a monetary award.  However, ONSF and UConn promote this Fellowship because we support Campus Compact’s broader mission of building democracy through civic education and community development.  The Fellowship affords our students the opportunity to be a part of a vibrant network of like-minded young people and to participate in the annual Convening of Fellows at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute on the U.S. Senate in Boston each spring.  UConn is committed to providing support to offset costs associated with travel to and from the annual convention for Fellows for whom such a trip would impose an undue financial burden.

 

To apply for nomination for the 2023 fellowship, please complete the form below before the internal application the new deadline of February 5, 2023 at 11:59PM.

 

Biographies of recent UConn Newman Civic Fellowship Recipients:

Samantha Gove (2022)

Irene Soteriou (2021)

Michael Hernandez (2020)

Seda Sahin (2019)

Wawa Gatheru (2018)

Akshayaa Chittibabu (2017)

Elizabeth Charash (2016)

  • In the space below, please provide a brief (250 word max) personal statement as to why you should be considered for a Newman Civic Fellowship. Your statement should include your approach to addressing the root causes of social issues and information about your potential for making significant contributions to public problem solving.

    SAMPLE Newman Civic Fellow Student Personal Statement:
    I have always been passionate about being involved in my community, so it was no surprise that my love for civic engagement followed me into college. While I have completed over 300 hours of community service, it never feels as if I am doing work because of the difference that I know I am making. I have been able to serve as a mentor to students from K-12 at the City Youth Center that are at risk by providing positive alternatives and outreach services to deter risky behaviors. Additionally, I have been able to use the skills that I have learned at school to develop service-learning activities at the center, including an Earth Day inspired event and an American Sign Language enrichment activity. I have served as an AmeriCorps team member, and I hope to use the leadership and community engagement skills that I gained for the rest of my time at school and beyond.

  • In the space below, please provide an example (250 words max) of your leadership of or involvement in one of the following areas: a public policy reform, community organizing, community-based research, social entrepreneurism, or other efforts to build the capacity of community-based organizations.
  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 100 MB.

  • Letter of Recommendation

    Applicants are encouraged to provide up to two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to their commitment to community service and public engagement. Ideally, at least one of these letters should come from a member of the UConn community (faculty, staff, or administrator). Applicants who are unable to secure letters before the deadline will not be disqualified, but they will be at a disadvantage in the selection process.

  • Please provide information about the person who will be submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The applicant is responsible for soliciting the letter of recommendation. Letters should be submitted via Email to vin.moscardelli@uconn.edu by 4:00PM on Thursday, February 2.
  • (e.g., "Professor, Department of Sociology" or "Associate Director, Office of Community Outreach")
  • (e.g., "Volunteer Coordinator, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp")
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.