The Community Service Fellowship at Tulane University connects students with immersive civic engagement across New Orleans. Participants combine academic study with hands-on projects that address housing, education, and public health challenges.
This structured program develops leadership while strengthening local partnerships. Fellows gain mentorship, reflective practice, and career-focused training through semester and summer options.
| Program Track | Duration | Weekly Commitment | Stipend Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Fellowship | January–May | 6–8 hours | Limited need-based |
| Summer Fellowship | May–August | 15–20 hours | Available |
| Community Action Semester | Fall or Spring | 8–10 hours | Partial awards |
| Partner Cohort Model | Variable | Project-based | Negotiable with site |
Service Learning Curriculum Design
Each fellowship integrates classroom discussions with practical fieldwork. Courses examine power, equity, and community-defined priorities in New Orleans neighborhoods.
Students complete reflective journals, collaborative presentations, and a capstone portfolio documenting measurable project outcomes. Rubrics emphasize listening skills, ethical engagement, and sustainable impact.
Community Partnerships and Impact
Tulane collaborates with schools, clinics, housing coalitions, and cultural organizations. Agreements emphasize co-created goals, transparent communication, and shared decision-making with neighborhood leaders.
Data shows improvements in literacy support, after-school attendance, and access to preventive services where fellows have sustained involvement over multiple semesters.
Leadership Development Pathways
Beyond project work, the fellowship offers workshops on facilitation, grant literacy, and ethical storytelling. Emerging leaders practice peer feedback and conflict resolution in structured team sessions.
Alumni often move into nonprofit management, public policy, and education roles, crediting the program for grounding professional skills in real community contexts.
Application and Eligibility Criteria
Applicants submit academic records, personal statements, and two recommendations. Interviews explore motivation, cultural humility, and capacity to commit consistent time to partner sites.
Programs welcome diverse backgrounds and encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups in civic leadership. Early submission and demonstrated community interest strengthen candidacy.
Considerations for Prospective Fellows
- Review the semester timeline and confirm course load compatibility.
- Attend an info session to speak with current fellows and partners.
- Prepare reflection materials that connect past experience to community needs.
- Plan transportation or remote options to meet site location requirements.
- Budget for any incidental costs and verify stipend or award policies.
FAQ
Reader questions
How does the fellowship align with Tulane’s mission in New Orleans?
The program embeds service into the university’s civic engagement mission by partnering with neighborhood organizations and centering community priorities in project design.
Are there course credits available for participation?
Yes, selected tracks offer service-learning credits, and students can often count hours toward related academic requirements with faculty approval.
What background checks or training are required before serving?
Fellows complete orientation, safety training, and background checks as required by university policy and partner site protocols.
Can international students participate in the fellowship?
International students may apply, subject to visa regulations, insurance requirements, and program-specific eligibility reviewed by the fellowship office.