SELECTION CRITERIA AND APPLICATION

The John Lewis Institute for Social Justice seeks to empower a new generation of leaders to follow his call to build a better and more just world, one that is marked by hope and focused on liberation. In doing so, we find strength in his efforts, voiced in the language of justice, and lived in a life of service. Our collective work is designed to create intellectual and civic spaces to allow for a deeper understanding of the roots of injustice, while also fostering and nurturing efforts to eliminate it. We aim to do this by helping participants develop as social justice leaders and advocates, while exploring opportunities in public service. We address issues faced by all peoples and seek to work for the oneness of humanity. We take as our mandate Rep. Lewis' observation and challenge that, "ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America."

Please respond to the questions in the application linked below. You will need to provide the names of two references, one of whom must be a CCSU faculty member (unless you are an entering first-year student). The other should be faculty, staff, community leader, or high school teacher. You will also need to upload two documents, an essay and your resume. Applications are due no later than Thursday, June 22, 2023. 

Students accepted into the next cohort of scholars will receive a $750 scholarship each semester, contingent upon attendance at events and satisfactory completion of the program’s academic component. Students should also be prepared to attend a retreat of several days in August prior to the fall semester. The JLI Scholar program requires a commitment for two years prior to graduation. 

JLI Scholars will be required to register for a one-credit course in each of the program's four semesters. The course has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday evenings at 5:55 pm.

John Lewis Institute for Social Justice Scholar Application