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.

Current Scholars

Naw Hser Nay Paw ’27 | Mandalay, Myanmar

"For me, being a Civic Scholar means giving back to the community I deeply care about by identifying the challenges of migration before, during, and after resettlement and amplifying the voices of those affected by various push factors in Myanmar. I look forward to a personal journey of growth—learning from my peers in the cohort and collaborating with community members on projects that tackle systemic challenges while fostering healing and resilience through mental health advocacy."

Claress Bahamundi ’27 | Yonkers, NY

"When I received the notification of my selection as a Civic Scholar, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Being recognized for my commitment to social change and engaged scholarship is an incredible honor, and as a FLI student, I feel truly supported and seen by the College. This program offers me a meaningful opportunity to give back to the communities around me while gaining invaluable tools through mentorship, internships, and training. I am excited to connect with my cohort and learn from the experiences of Civic Scholars who came before me!"

Sena Forson ’27 | Accra, Ghana / Germantown, MD

"To be a civic scholar is an opportunity I am grateful for because it means I am more able to do the work that is important to me without feeling disadvantaged by my access as a FLI student. As a student looking to organize with communities marginalized by healthcare systems, I'm looking forward to the program's training in civic/social responsibility to strengthen me, both academically and practically, as as a responsible and effectively engaged community member."

Jade Nadine Buan ’27 | Dover, DE

"To me, being a Civic Scholar means transforming my personal experiences into a commitment to creating meaningful change. Growing up in a household where language barriers and systemic disparities often complicated even the simplest tasks, I developed a deep awareness of how inequities can shape people’s lives. These moments instilled in me a passion for advocacy and a drive to address the systemic challenges that limit access and opportunity for so many. The Civic Scholars program offers the chance to connect my academic studies in economics and political science with engaged scholarship, giving me the tools to turn my education into action. Civic engagement, to me, is about building connections, amplifying underrepresented voices, and tackling complex issues with both compassion and intention. I am honored to join a community that shares these values and to take on the responsibility of growing as a leader who strives to contribute to a more just and equitable world."

Diane Arias Tejeda ’28 | Hazleton, PA

"Being a Civic Scholar empowers me to apply my Swarthmore education to enact change in the communities that have supported me. By creating a program that guides me as I actualize my goals of shaping my communities, Civic Scholars helps me bridge the gap between the classroom and the outside world. I am grateful for the opportunity to repay the communities that built me up. I eagerly await the many experiences I will gain as I interact with and learn from the communities around me!"

Adrian Aaron Duran Rey ’27 | Orlando, FL

"Being a Civic Scholar means tangibly uplifting people through organized and researched efforts."

Happy Hadia Ingabire ’26 | Kigali, Rwanda

"Being a Civic Scholar entails a deep commitment to community engagement, social impact, and the unwavering pursuit of constructive change.as it represents a commitment to applying knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to critical society concerns. As a Civic Scholar, I see an opportunity to not only learn from the cohort's perspectives, but also to actively participate in collaborative, meaningful efforts that will have a long-term positive impact on our communities. To me, it is more than a title; it is a commitment to actively engage, inspire, and encourage good change in the world around us."

Lena Massengale ’25 | Goodyear, Az

"With an emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement, the Civic Scholars Program invites scholars to analyze the broader implications of societal issues while supporting ambitions of meaningful change in our respective fields. As a first generation low-income student, finding ways to bridge the connection between my academic pursuits and the social issues that impact communities like my own has always been incredibly important to me. In the face of every social barrier and financial obstacle, the support of my community rooted in our collective experience has guided my goals of addressing the systemic inequalities that exist in the legal system. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Civic Scholars throughout the program."

Pedro Cruz ’25 | São Paulo, Brazil

"As a Civic Scholar, I'm driven to use the opportunities, resources, and connections I've gained at Swarthmore to support students who, like me, come from underprivileged backgrounds in Brazil. It's about channeling the privilege of my Swarthmore education to support the journey of young people in my community chase their aspirations."

Shamsa Belgrave ’26 | Philadelphia, PA

"Being accepted into the Civic Scholars program means that I’ll have the support necessary to contribute to research and resources for Muslim women in Philadelphia who’ve experienced domestic violence. I’m excited to see where the program will take me and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to help shape environments where all women feel safe and supported."

Carolin Obispo ’26 | Ridgewood, NY

"As a Civic Scholar, I will be able to advocate for social change in learning communities. I hope to give back to the communities I grew up in and help push for a more equitable education system."