Created in 2010, the Civic Engagement Scholars program, hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement & Learning (CCEL) and co-created with former CWRU President Barbara R. Snyder, promotes and recognizes meaningful student involvement in the community.
Program Goals
- To create an experiential learning program that promotes active citizenship, responsible engagement, and allows students to develop a deeper understanding of community issues and ways to create social change
- To foster connections between Case Western Reserve University students and their surrounding communities
- To create mutually beneficial opportunities for students to participate in meaningful civic engagement experiences with local agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations
- To recognize students who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to civic engagement
At the beginning of each academic year, students complete an enrollment form indicating that they would like to become a Civic Engagement Scholar. Throughout that academic year, they commit to completing at least 30 civic engagement hours in their choice of community service, advocacy, philanthropy, political involvement, social responsibility, or participation in associations, while also engaging in Cleveland-focused trainings and submitting a final year-end written reflection.
Program Requirements
- Education: Participate in two total all-Scholars trainings, one in the Fall semester and one in the Spring semester.
- Action: Complete a minimum of 30 civic engagement hours between August 9, 2022 and May 11, 2023 in alignment with the eligible activities on the program requirements page. At least 20 of these hours will entail directly taking action through the forms of civic engagement. Scholars have the choice to count up to 10 of their hours towards participating in additional education options to deepen their understanding of social change.
- Reflection: Complete a year-end written reflection form that will be emailed to Scholars in April.
Learn more about the program requirements.
Students who meet the program’s criteria will receive a Certificate of Distinction recognizing their commitment to community.
Both undergraduate and graduate students of all academic years and majors are eligible to become Civic Engagement Scholars, and many students elect to participate in the program multiple years. The program is open to students studying remotely or on-campus. For more information, please refer to the program requirements or contact Erin Corwin, exc390@case.edu with questions.
Registration for the 2022-2023 Civic Engagement Scholars program is closed. The program will accept applications for the 2023 -2024 program in September 2023.