Students on the Emigration Creek Bridge

Community Impact Scholars


Developing the Engaged Leaders of Tomorrow

Westminster University encourages you to be a part of the Community Impact Scholars program during the 2023-24 academic year to make a positive impact in the community and grow as a leader.

This year-long co-curricular program gives students a deeper understanding of effective community engagement and social and environmental justice issues, while developing as leaders. From attending events and workshops, to designing and completing a community project, Community Impact Scholars students form friendships, connect with community leaders, engage in hands-on learning experiences, and develop the skills that make them the perfect candidate for future employers and graduate schools.

The Community Impact Scholars program is a collaboration between the Dumke Center for Civic Engagement, Environmental Center, Gore Giovale Center for Innovative Leadership, and Student Engagement and Belonging.

Submit Your Application

There are still 4 slots available in the 2023-24 cohort. Any current Westminster University student is welcome to apply to the program. Priority will be given to students of junior and senior standing.

About the Community Impact Scholars Program

Community Impact Scholars commit about 4-6 hours per month to the program, including meeting twice a month on Tuesdays from 12–1:30 p.m. Each session includes time for reflections on the month’s materials and activities, as well as time for discussion of relevant topics and themes. Food is provided.

In addition to the twice monthly meeting, Community Impact Scholars are encouraged to participate in an additional 1-2 hours of community service, attend other centers’ programming or events, reflective journaling, or any other learning activity related to the program outcomes. Students accepted into the Community Impact Scholars program will receive a $500 stipend ($250 disbursed in the fall semester and $250 in the spring semester) as well as funding support for the spring project.

Scholars will create and share a final reflection to present at the last program meeting in April 2024. This reflection can take any form, including a written paper, video, art project, or creative writing piece.

Community Impact Scholars Program Outcomes

Students in the Community Impact Scholars program will examine societal issues, root causes, impacts, intersections with other issues, and possible solutions by analyzing one’s own and others’ beliefs, values, social identities, and world views and their implications for how one defines and contributes to the common good. Students who participate in this program will gain competencies in:

  • Leadership: students will increase self-awareness through identifying their strengths and values and be able to use this awareness to communicate and collaborate effectively with others.
  • Identity Saliency: students will be able to articulate their multiple social identities and recognize identities’ role in their lived experiences. 
  • Interdisciplinary Thinking: students will be able to understand and vocalize the interdisciplinary nature of social and environmental justice issues and solutions.

For any questions about the program or application, contact Lindsie Smith (lsmith1@westminsteru.edu).

Program Sponsor

Thank you to the Edward L. Burton Foundation and Wells Fargo for supporting the 2023-24 Community Impact Scholars cohort.

Wells Fargo logo