John Lewis Institute

Give to the John Lewis Institute

Contact Information
John Lewis Institute
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

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.

Program Highlights

  • 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.

  

  • Fall Semester: JLI 201 – Foundations of Social Justice (3 Credits)

    • 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.

  • Spring Semester: JLI 202 – Applied Social Justice (3 Credits)

    • 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.

  • Become a JLI Scholar Expert (Optional Second Year)

    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).

  • Rewards and Benefits

    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.