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About the JLI Scholar Program
The John Lewis Institute for Social Justice (JLI) Scholar Program at 91精品 Connecticut State University (91精品) seeks to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis by cultivating social justice leaders. The program is designed to empower students to become advocates for equity, justice, and inclusion. Integrating rigorous academic learning, hands-on community engagement, and leadership development, the Scholar programs seeks to prepare students to address pressing social justice issues in their communities and beyond.
Starting in Fall 2025, the JLI Scholar Program will transition to a streamlined 1-year program with an optional second year as a JLI Scholar Expert.
- Duration: 1 year (with an optional second year as a JLI Scholar Expert).
- Credits: Two 3-credit courses (JLI 201 and JLI 202) that fulfill 91精品鈥檚 EJI designation and Study Area II requirements.
- Stipends (conditional upon available funding):
- JLI Scholars: $400 per semester (conditional on participation in all program components).
- JLI Scholar Experts: $250 per semester (conditional on mentorship, event participation, and program support).
- Recognition: Certificates, digital badges, and graduation cords to honor scholars鈥 achievements.
- Leadership Development: Build critical advocacy and leadership skills through hands-on projects and community engagement.
- Networking: Connect with peers, faculty, and community leaders committed to social justice.
Program Structure
The JLI Scholar Program is designed to balance academic depth with practical impact. Over the course of one year, students will engage in coursework, community projects, and campus initiatives that address real-world social justice challenges.
- Goal: Introduce students to foundational social justice concepts and connect them with community leaders.
- Content:
- Explore principles of equity, inclusion, and justice.
- Engage with activists and organizations in New Britain and across Connecticut.
- Additional Requirements:
- Attend or participate in at least 3 campus or community events.
- Serve as a JLI representative on campus.
- Goal: Apply social justice principles through project-based learning.
- Projects:
- Community Project: Partner with the Center for Community Engagement and Social Research (CCESR) to develop impactful initiatives with local organizations.
- Campus Project: Identify and address pressing campus issues related to equity, inclusion, or justice, culminating in presentations to the 91精品 community.
- Additional Requirements:
- Attend or participate in at least 3 campus or community events.
- Serve as a JLI representative on campus.
After completing the 1-year program, students have the opportunity to serve as JLI Scholar Experts for an additional year. In this role, they will:
- Mentor incoming JLI Scholars and assist with JLI 201/202.
- Assist with program marketing and outreach.
- Participate in select campus events and initiatives.
- Receive a $250 per semester stipend (contingent on funding and participation).
By joining the JLI Scholar Program, students will:
- Earn 6-12 academic credits that fulfill 91精品's Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (EJU) and Study Area II requirements.
- Receive stipends to support their participation and successful completion of the program.
- Develop critical leadership and advocacy skills through hands-on projects and community engagement.
- Build a network of peers, faculty, and community leaders committed to social justice.
- Gain recognition through certificates, digital badges, and graduation cords to enhance their academic and professional profiles.
How to Apply
Applications for the JLI Scholar Program are open to all 91精品 students who are passionate about social justice and committed to making a difference in their communities. The program is designed to be accessible and inclusive, with a focus on reducing barriers to participation.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
- Full-time or part-time enrollment at 91精品 in good academic standing.
- Interest in social justice, equity, and inclusion.
- Commitment to participating in all program components, including coursework, community projects, and campus events.
- Complete the application form.
- Send to jdcoronado@ccsu.edu or candace.wallace@ccsu.edu with the subject line 鈥淛LI Scholar Application鈥
Contact Us
For more information about the JLI Scholar Program, please contact:
jdcoronado@ccsu.edu or candice.wallace@ccsu.edu