Engaged Scholars Initiative
The Engaged Scholars Initiative is a year-long program for early-career faculty and staff to develop community-engaged scholarship and leadership through retreats, coaching, and collaborative projects.
Funder: Campus Compact
Due Dates: May 22, 2026 (2026–2027 cohort) | April 15, 2025 (2025–2026 cohort) | May 8, 2023 (2023–2024 cohort) | April 30, 2022 (2022–2023 cohort)
Funding Amounts: $1,000 program fee per participant; limited scholarships available; travel/accommodation not included.
Summary: Year-long professional development program for early-career faculty and staff to advance community-engaged scholarship and leadership.
Key Information: Open to early-career faculty/staff at Campus Compact member institutions only.
Description
The Engaged Scholars Initiative (ESI) is a selective, one-year, cohort-based leadership and professional development program designed for early-career faculty and staff committed to advancing community-engaged scholarship. Participants engage in bi-weekly virtual meetings, two in-person retreats, collaborative scholarly projects, and individualized coaching, all aimed at deepening their understanding of civic and community engagement, expanding leadership skills, and fostering both personal and professional growth. The program emphasizes validating diverse perspectives, reducing participation barriers, and supporting the creation and dissemination of scholarly work related to community engagement. ESI adopts a participant-centered approach, adapting to the unique needs of each cohort, and aims to build resilient professional networks that strengthen the field of civic engagement in higher education.
