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Community Impact Scholars

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Developing the Engaged Leaders of Tomorrow

Be a part of the Community Impact Scholars program during the 2023-24 academic year and 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 employers and graduate schools are looking for.

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 Diversity and Inclusion Center.

How to Apply

All current Westminster students are welcome to apply to the Community Impact Scholars program. Priority will be given to students of junior and senior standing. The deadline to submit an applications is April 17, 2023.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

About the Community Impact Scholars Program

Community Impact Scholars will commit to about 4-6 hours per month, including meeting twice a month on Tuesdays from 4–6:00 p.m. Each session will include time for reflections on the month’s materials and activities as well as time for discussion of relevant topics and themes. Food will be provided.

Students accepted into the Community Impact Scholars program will receive a $500 stipend ($250 for Fall 2023 semester, $250 for Spring 2024 semester) and funding support for the spring project. In addition to the twice monthly meeting, scholars are encouraged to participate in an additional 1-2 hours of community service, other centers' programming or events, reflective journaling, or any other learning activity related to the program outcomes.

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 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@westminstercollege.edu).

Program Sponsor

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