Civic Engagement Scholars

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.

Three Civic Engagement Scholars at a Reception with Case Western Reserve University President, Barbara Snyder

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, while also engaging in community focused trainings and submitting a final year-end written reflection.

2023-2024 Program Requirements

  • Training: Participate in two total all-Scholars trainings, one in the Fall semester and one in the Spring semester. 
  • Civic Engagement Activities: Complete a minimum of 30 civic engagement hours between August 7, 2023 and May 9, 2024 in alignment with the eligible activities. At least 20 of these hours will entail directly taking action through a variety of ways to make social change. 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.

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 contact Erin Corwin, exc390@case.edu with questions.

The application for 2024-2025 Scholars will open in August 2024 - check back for more details!