Pilot Projects

Are you passionate about social change, but not sure where to channel it? Do you need modest funding and other support to conduct a community assessment or stakeholder engagement?  Pilot project grants are designed to support individuals and groups of students who wish to link their academics with action in a small scale or short term project with its own mission, goals, and objectives. Such projects could include feasibility studies; assessment of community assets, interests, and needs; prototyping or testing a new product, service, or program etc. in the US or elsewhere in the world.

Apply

There is a three step process for Summer 2025 pilot project grants. View the application process and questions here. 

  • Attend an Impact Gaps Analysis training at the CoLab. This training will help you to craft your proposal for pilot project funding!
  • Register for PEAC 009. Introduction to Engaged Scholarship and participate in required spring training series including a systems thinking module @ the CoLab and Lang Center project grantee retreat.
  • Submit pilot project application by NOON (Eastern) on February 15, 2025 via Wizehive. Contact Jen Magee for the link.

Pilot project applications are reviewed by members of Lang Center staff and faculty or subject experts, as needed, and then in some cases, applicants are interviewed. 

All applicants are required to get advising!
Meet with Jen Magee or Nimesh Ghimire before applying

Eligibility

The Lang Center exists to support all Swarthmore students, regardless of political affiliations or views, age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. To be eligible for summer funding from the Lang Center, students must be

  • a currently enrolled Swarthmore College undergraduate (available to first years, sophomores, and juniors — both individuals and teams of students can apply)
  • enrolled in the spring semester prior and/or fall semester following the proposed summer experience
  • in good standing at Swarthmore College.

If you are an international student (on an F1 or J1 visa) considering opportunities to work off campus (in either a paid or unpaid position), please contact Jennifer Marks-Gold before you accept any positions to ensure you maintain your legal status.

 

Note: This grant is not in service of Swarthmore College and does not create an employment relationship between the student(s) and Swarthmore College.