Newman Civic Fellowship


College student teaching an elementary student in a music classroom

The Newman Civic Fellowship honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.

Newman Civic Fellows are recommended to Campus Compact by college and university presidents/chancellors to acknowledge motivation and ability in public leadership.

As a Kansas Campus Compact member, KU nominates one student a year to be the Newman Civic Fellow. As a Fellow, that student is able to connect with the national network of Fellows and attend conferences and events. Connections among Fellows are supported by Campus Compact as a way to inspire and motivate students' continued civic efforts.

Fellows participate in ongoing mentorship and leadership development, attend an all-expense-paid annual fellow convening, have access to scholarship and career opportunities, and develop a large network of civic-minded professionals across the country.

Newman Civic Fellows are characterized by:

  • going beyond direct service to seek long-term solutions for social issues. Examples of this may include involvement in public policy reform, community organizing, community-based research, social entrepreneurism, or other efforts to build the capacity of community-based organizations.
  • inspiring and engaging others.
  • demonstrating the motivation and leadership potential to make significant contributions to public problem solving and to a network of similarly dedicated students.

Eligibility

The nominee must have at least one year of their education remaining and be enrolled in higher education for the duration of the academic year for which they are selected to serve as a fellow. For more information email the Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships at curf@ku.edu.

Deadline

Campus deadline: early January

National deadline: early February

Application

The application involves entering basic demographic information, composing two brief essays (200 and 500 word max.) on your service and leadership commitments as well as future career goals, uploading a resume, and submitting one letter of recommendation. Please email curf@ku.edu to access the application form.

Past Newman Civic Fellows