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 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 2024-2025 Student Scholar application is open!
Review of applications will continue until all project positions are filled.
Featured Scholars
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.
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.
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.