Scholarships
The Civic Scholars Program is an opportunity for the brightest, most-promising civic entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate for greater community impact. Scholars receive waived Conference registration, direct access to experts such as Craig Newmark and Paul Schmitz, and continuing education opportunities that allow them to bring innovations and new connections to their work as a result of their participation in the program. This program awards individuals based on merit and replaces our past scholarship-granting process.
We are looking for 50 individuals with community involvement experience and high potential for future civic engagement. The Conference is central to the program and will be the first convening point and one of the most robust learning opportunities. Applicants must have an interest in advancing civic engagement, must be actively involved in their communities, and willing to commit to the one-year initiative and participate in all follow-up activities.
Before you start your scholarship application, please be ready to provide your resume (2,000 word limit), a copy of a recommendation letter and an essay that answers the following questions in a comprehensive manner (1,250 word limit):
- What kinds of leadership opportunities have you pursued as an aspiring civic leader?
- What was most rewarding from the experience(s)?
- What was most challenging from the experience(s)?
- How do your personal interests/areas of study relate to or influence your civic engagement?
- How would you design your own project for increasing civic involvement in your community?
- Please identify a focus area that you are most passionate about (e.g., domestic violence, environmental protection)
- Define your own project and state the purpose
- What are some activities you would like to include in your project? Identify ways you would create projects to impact your community
- Identify ways to advocate the cause and develop one policy as a result of volunteering and advocacy
We will be accepting scholarship applications until Feb. 24, 11:59 p.m. ET. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Register now.
