A unique opportunity for Macalester students to put their ideas into action

During the six-month fellowship, fellows participate in a spring semester Political Science seminar focused on analyzing and addressing community-based issues. That summer, fellows receive a $4,000 stipend to complete a full-time, on-site project at a community-based organization to implement the recommendations developed in the spring.

Only 12 fellows—who must be either sophomores or juniors—are selected each year.

About the Chuck Green Fellowship

Chuck Green taught Political Science at Macalester for more than 40 years, retiring in 2006. Just as Chuck Green has instilled in his students the confidence to act on their beliefs, the Civic Engagement Fellowship enables students to put their ideas into action.

The six-month fellowship includes a spring seminar and a funded summer component. Fellows study democratic engagement in social and organizational change, identify a client organization with whom to analyze and address a problem, and then work with that client on a mutually agreed-upon solution.

Spring Seminar

The spring seminar provides an academic foundation for studying democratic theories, organizations and change. Fellows read relevant literature, examine case studies, write reflective papers, and engage with guest speakers from a wide range of public service organizations.

During the course of the seminar, each student will identify a client—usually from the community. Students will select a policy, social or organizational problem and, supported by peer review and consultation, will create a written proposal outlining feasible strategies and solutions. Organizations fellows have worked with include:

• Project for Pride in Living
• Colleges for Reconciliation and Development
• St. Paul Intervention Project & St. Paul Police Department
• Minnesota Public Interest Research Group
• Center for Victims of Torture
• Transit for Livable Communities
• Metro Independent Business Alliance
• Neighborhood House
• Urban Ventures
• Minnesota Alliance With Youth
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Young Audiences of Minnesota
• Lighthouse Academy of Nations
• Minnesota Internship Center
• Office for Social Justice of the Archdiosese of Mpls/St. Paul
• City Year (Americorps)
• New Americans Community Service
• Minnesota 2020

Paid Summer Component

During the summer—supported by a $4,000 stipend—fellows work full-time, (on-site) in partnership with the client, implementing the agreed-upon proposal.  Fellows that choose to live on campus receive 10 weeks of paid campus housing, but must purchase an accompanying meal plan. 

Periodically, fellows will meet as a group to discuss progress, review problems and provide mutual support.

Professor Green has inspired generations of innovative and influential leaders; this fellowship provides a vehicle to connect those leaders with new generations of students who aspire to be creative entrepreneurs in shaping civic life. The fellowship culminates in early fall by bringing together fellows, faculty and clients to celebrate and reflect on the fellowship experience.