Student Scholars
Do you want to help solve the world’s most complex problems, but you're not sure how?
Do you ever wonder how your academic learning can prepare you to create the change you want to see in the world? This is exactly what the Student Scholar program offers you—the experience, the support, the tools, and funding to make a difference. When you become a Student Scholar, you can build your own unique path toward social change work that reflects your passions and interests.
The 2025-2026 Student Scholar application is open! Review of applications will continue until all project positions are filled.
Learn More & Apply
What is the Student Scholar Experience?
Part of DU Grand Challenges, a university-wide initiative powered by CCESL, the Student Scholars program is for students who want to learn more about the social justice issues that matter to them, how to apply their academic learning to those issues and develop concrete skills and tools for making change in partnership with communities. Scholars contribute to community-engaged projects connected to CCESL and its Community-Engaged (CE) Fellows, gaining hands-on community-engaged experience.
For an up-to-date list of projects seeking Student Scholar support, click below. More positions may be added to this list as projects develop. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
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This program allows Student Scholars to learn in a community of peers while exploring their own identities, understanding their communities, and working together to create positive social change. Participants also have access to all CCESL trainings and events.
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All CCESL Student Scholars are paired with a mentor from the Community-Engaged (CE) Fellows program. CE Fellows will help Student Scholars integrate their academic experiences, personal interests, and community-engaged work through critical reflection to help make meaning of their experience. Mentors also connect Student Scholars with resources and guide them in their journey.
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Student Scholars plug into one of the current CCESL Special Projects and have access to funds and resources. They will actively communicate and build relationships with team members, community partners, and project leads.
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Student Scholars develop critical reflection ePortfolios that document their learning and public good identity development. The ePortfolio will serve as a tangible and clear representation of their public identity and potential to contribute to complex public problem-solving. Student Scholars collect artifacts throughout their experiences as a means to reflect on their public good identity.
Application Process
Eligibility
Current DU undergraduate or graduate students enrolled for the 2024-2025 academic year are eligible to apply. Strong interest in social change and collaborating with communities is preferred.
Application
The next step is to share a little bit more about yourself, your project interests, and what interests you about the Scholars program! You will also need to upload a resume or CV.
Notification
Once we've received your application, we'll review it and, if you are selected for an interview, we’ll reach out via email to schedule an interview time with a CCESL staff member.
"My experience working with Student Scholars has led me to think about issues at both a systemwide level and personal one. This is different from previous iterations of my thinking because I have been forced to think through lenses other than my own. Discussions at forums and other community events have allowed me to put faces to experiences, seeing an issue through someone else's story. My research has also allowed me to look at system wide changes and problems outside of my own personal stake."
The 2025-2026 Student Scholar application is open! Review of applications will continue until all project positions are filled.
Featured Scholars
Brooke Watley
Brooke Watley is an honors student at the University of Denver, studying Political Science and Management, currently completing her junior year. She is passionate about addressing inequities at the intersection of law, policy, and business, particularly those affecting underrepresented communities.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, she collaborated with two peers on the CCESL project, The Color of Water, drawing on her experience growing up in a town shaped by access to the Arkansas River. Recognizing her own privilege, Brooke is committed to advocating for water equity.
Through CCESL, Brooke learned that serving the public good means taking action, not just advocating, regardless of recognition. The experience deepened her belief in informed, intentional, and interdisciplinary civic engagement that centers community partners and amplifies their voices.
Giovani Valladares Giron
Giovani Valladares Giron is a first-generation student at the University of Denver, majoring in Psychology. He is currently focused on Education Equity as a Puksta Scholar and plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. Giovani began his community work in high school, participating in programs like Latinos in Action, 9Health Fair, and the Student Board of Education, and served on the Montbello Reorganization Committee. In the future, he aims to invest in educational equity, inspired by his experiences in East Colfax and Montbello and seeks to empower students to think critically and become changemakers.
Leticia Monalisa Mwale
Leticia Monalisa Mwale is a second-year master’s student pursuing an MA in Project Management. She is part of the organization: QueenShipp, working with CCESL as a scholar to improve the socioeconomic status of women and promote educational opportunities for girls in Malawi.
QueenShipp is an organization that empowers all young people, including queer, trans, and non-binary students. This community partner believes every young person deserves a support system that affirms their identity and helps them reach their full potential. With Tanaka Shipp as founder and executive director, QueenShipp strives to create inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
Leticia, an international student, describes her involvement with QueenShipp through CCESL as both inspiring and transformative. She became part of a team committed to authenticity, courage, and collective growth. Participating in environments that empower young people to express themselves confidently, lead with empathy, and build connections highlighted for her the crucial importance of safe spaces in empowerment work.