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 2024-2025 Student Scholar application is closed. Check back in May 2025 for the next application cycle.

Questions?
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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. 

Why become a Student Scholar?

The Student Scholars program is a 4D signature experience that enables you to deepen and apply your thinking, reflect on your interests and goals, and gain new perspectives on education and life. Through this community-engaged experience, you will grow across the four dimensions, supporting your intellectual growth, character exploration, well-being, and sense of purpose.

Application Process

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    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.

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    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.

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    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. 

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"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."

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The 2024-2025 Student Scholar application is closed.

Check back in May 2025 for the next application cycle.

Questions?

Featured Scholars

A person stands outdoors in a forested area next to a fire pit with a small fire burning. They are wearing a long brown coat, light blue jeans, and a gray cap, smiling at the camera. A stack of firewood is nearby, with trees and sunlight in the background. Smoke from the fire is visible in the air.

Roo Rodriguez

Roo Rodriguez is a first-year student in the Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management program at the University of Denver, concentrating on Environmental Policy. She is currently completing a graduate certification in Energy and Sustainability while working as a Graduate Scholar at the Center for Community Engagement to Advance Scholarship and Learning (CCESL). In the future, Roo plans to leverage her background in economics and passion for environmental issues to drive sustainable policy changes.

A young man is standing outdoors with a mountainous landscape in the background. He is wearing a plaid shirt over a white T-shirt, and his hands are casually clasped in front of him. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and the lighting suggests it's a bright day. The image is taken from a slightly low angle, making the man appear confident and relaxed.

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.

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Rediet Ayanaw

Rediet Ayanaw is a junior-rising senior at the University of Denver, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with double minors in Math and Marketing. She currently works as an IT Coordinator at College Track, a non-profit supporting college students' educational and career goals, and co-facilitates "Apple Bites," a program where she helps high school freshmen design and market sustainable mobile applications. In the future, Rediet plans to continue advocating for education equity and supporting students in their STEM journeys.

Contact

 

John Macikas, Student Programs Manager

Note: All CCESL programs, including this one, undergo an antiracist, anti-oppression review at least annually. This year, changes were made to program materials and applications based on that review.