Eligibility

• First generation and/or low income first year or sophomore student
• Demonstrated commitment to social change or civic action
• Self awareness and critical reflection
• Commitment to Engaged Scholarship
• Enrollment in PEAC 009 in spring of first year in the Civic Scholar program
• Good standing at the College

Requirements

Year 1

• Participate in cohort gatherings in fall and spring
• Participate in poster design workshop and poster presentation in fall
• Complete Impact Gaps Analysis in fall
• Participate in Jumpstart (or asynchronous training) in winter
• Successfully complete PEAC 009 and Lang Center grantee retreat in spring
• Conduct a full time internship, research fellowship, or project in summer

Year 2

• Enroll in an Engaged Scholarship (or other relevant credit-bearing course) for both fall and spring
• Participate in cohort gatherings in fall and spring
• Successfully complete the Systems Thinking for Social Change workshop series in fall
• Participate in Jumpstart (or asynchronous training) in winter
• Attend cohort conference in spring
• Conduct a full time internship, research fellowship, or project in summer

Resources

Learning Goals

• Increase understanding of community assets and stakeholders
• Enhance capability for perspective taking, integration of knowledge and practice, and systems thinking

Program Benefits

• Funding for two summer experiences such as an internship, project, or research fellowship ($6000 for each summer). When a first year student is admitted to the Civic Scholar program, they may be eligible for program benefits into their junior year.
• Educational enhancement funding for two academic years ($1500 each year). Note: This funding is intended to serve as a resource for educational expenses outside the College's Cost of Attendance. Normal educational expenses are considered as part of the College's need-based financial aid program.
• Mentoring from within Swarthmore College community, including alumni
• Cohort building

Important Notes

• We 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.
• 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.
• Because Civic Scholars are required to complete PEAC 009 during the spring of their first year in the program, study abroad is not possible during that same semester.
• This grant is not in service of Swarthmore College and does not create an employment relationship between the student(s) and Swarthmore College.