Description
The O'Hanian-Szostak Fellows for Civic Leadership offers Colby students an opportunity for community leadership and professional development. Fellowships are competitively awarded to highly motivated students dedicated to public service and interested in making an impact on the Colby and greater Waterville communities. Fellows develop community-based projects that align with students' academic interests, focus on meeting community needs and develop meaningful relationships with local stakeholders and community members. Students can also apply for the Fellowship to help fund a social impact internship or an independent study project with a Maine-based nonprofit organization.
Fellows work under the guidance of the Office of Civic Engagement and Community Partnerships to design and implement high-impact initiatives that foster a campus culture of critical inquiry and active citizenship. Civic Engagement staff facilitate connections with community partners and support Fellows throughout all phases of their projects.
The O’Hanian-Szostak Fellowship will be open to applicants during each of four funding cycles throughout the year (fall, Jan Plan, spring, summer). Students applying for year-long community-based projects should apply during the fall semester cycle, which opens in August.
Click here to learn more about the funding application
Award
Recipients of the O’Hanian-Szostak Fellowship will receive a grant for living and travel expenses and are eligible for lost wages (up to $500 for Jan Plan and $2,000 for semester or summer experiences) if participating in internships or civic engagement projects. For those conducting independent studies, lost wages may only be awarded in summer or Jan Plan if the candidate is abroad or otherwise prevented from securing employment.
Upon successful completion of their community-based project, independent study, or internship experience, O’Hanian-Szostak Fellows will receive an additional $2,000 prize for outstanding community service in Maine.
The IRS considers grants, scholarships, fellowships, stipends, internships, and funding for travel and prizes taxable income unless used to pay qualified educational expenses. Qualified educational expenses are limited to tuition, textbooks and necessary supplies; housing and food are not considered qualified educational expenses. This funding is not considered qualified educational expenses and is therefore considered taxable income.
QUESTIONS? Contact Elizabeth A. Jabar Lawry Family Dean of Civic Engagement eajabar@colby.edu