Seeking Student Nominations for Social Impact Fellowship

Are you a student who is passionate about a particular cause or social issue?

Do you want to create a lasting change in your community?

Do you want to build your skills as a leader, problem-solver, and changemaker?

Do you know a student who fits this description?

The Center for Social Impact, on behalf of President Mark R. Nemec, is seeking nominations for the 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellowship, a national award through Campus Compact, a coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education.

The Fellowship is a one-year experience that provides students with training and resources that nurture their assets and passions and help them develop strategies for social change.

The Newman Civic Fellowship honors the leadership legacy of Campus Compact founder Frank Newman by recognizing community-committed students who:

• Engage in collaborative action with others from campus or surrounding communities to create long-term social change
• Take action in addressing issues of inequality and political polarization
• Demonstrate the motivation and potential for effective long-term civic engagement

Application & Eligibility

• Nominees must have at least one year left in their program of study to be considered, so members of the classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029 are eligible. 
• Students may be nominated by their peers, a faculty or staff member, or may self-nominate.
• Nominees will be invited to design and propose a social impact project, mentored by a faculty or staff member, to execute over the course of their fellowship year (academic year 2026-2027)
• Fairfield’s Newman Civic Fellow is selected and nominated directly by President Nemec, who will meet individually with finalists
• Fellows are supported by the Center for Social Impact with a yearlong stipend and program budget.

To learn more about program requirements, the full application process, and resources available to Fellows: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/710duhbyr6nza9haeskdh/Newman-Civic-Fellowship-2026-2027.pdf?rlkey=8798hegbgc9f8hjzvv3omick9&dl=0

To nominate a student (or express interest): https://forms.office.com/r/8MNnXsLyZY