John Lewis Institute for Social Justice

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Contact Information
John Lewis Institute for Social Justice
Lawrence J. Davidson Hall
115
(860) 832-1652
Beth Frankel Merenstein
Associate Vice President
Center for Community Engagement and Social Research
Lawrence J. Davidson Hall
115
860.832.3174
merensteinb@ccsu.edu
Juan David Coronado
Associate Professor
History
Latin American, Latino, & Caribbean Center Executive Board
Coordinator
Latino & Puerto Rican Studies Minor
Ebenezer D. Bassett Hall
216-05
860.832.2820
jdcoronado@ccsu.edu
Candice Wallace
Assistant Professor
Psychological Science
African American Studies
Marcus White Hall
214
860.832.3116
candice.wallace@ccsu.edu

John Lewis Institute for Social Justice (JLI) Scholar Program

About the JLI Scholar Program

The John Lewis Institute for Social Justice (JLI) Scholar Program at Central Connecticut State University (Central) 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 Central’s 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’ 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 Central 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 Central'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 Central 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 Central 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.

  1. Complete the application form.
  2. Send to jdcoronado@ccsu.edu or candace.wallace@ccsu.edu with the subject line “JLI Scholar Application”

Contact Us

For more information about the JLI Scholar Program, please contact: 
jdcoronado@ccsu.edu or candice.wallace@ccsu.edu