Ellis Civic Fellows
Background:
Robert Lee Ellis, a Seattle native, was killed in action in World War II. In 2007, James Ellis honored his brother Robert -- a person of high ethical standards and the willingness to help others -- with a gift to the University of Washington. This gift became the endowment to support the Robert Lee Ellis Civic Fellows program. The intention of the endowment and the Civic Fellows program is to support students who make a commitment to our community.
Description:
Robert Lee Ellis Civic Fellowships offer financial, academic and advising support to undergraduate students willing to make a commitment toward service, personal growth and community engagement throughout a 4-year experience with the University of Washington.
Ellis Civic Fellowships can be understood as a series of building blocks, beginning in the first year with a broad overview of the Seattle community, moving in to a service partnership with a community organization, developing deeper integration between each Civic Fellow’s academic work and service, and culminating with a community-based capstone project.
Every Ellis Civic Fellow will be supported with individual mentoring and a flexible leadership curriculum as they move towards graduating as an Ellis Civic Leader.
Deadline to apply: Thursday, September 10th
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have filed a 2009-2010 FAFSA
- Must have financial need as determined by Financial Aid Office
- Must be committed to service and willing to make a four-year commitment as outlined in the expectations below
Application Instructions:
- Download the application form ( PDF) or application form ( Microsoft Word)
- Email the application to engage@uw.edu
Purpose:
The purpose of the Ellis Civic Fellowships is to support students in making a commitment to our community with core objectives including serving in the community; learning about yourself, the community, and the intersection of your academic study and community service work; and developing skills and experience in leadership, followership, and empathy.
A Four-Year Commitment:
YEARS ONE & TWO
Course Expectations: Ellis Fellows must register for and pass the following courses:
- Fall Quarter GEN ST 344: “Answering America’s Call to Service - An Introduction to Volunteering as a UW Student”
(2 credits) - Winter Quarter GEN ST 348/349: “Community-based Learning: Session A”
(2 credits) - Spring Quarter GEN ST 348/349:: “Community-based Learning: Session B”
(2 credits)
Service Expectations:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service project (aprx. 10 hours per year)
- Service with a selected community organization (aprx. 20 hours per quarter)
- Spring Celebration of Service & Leadership (aprx. 2 hours per year)
Advising Expectations: Ellis Fellows must attend advising sessions, including:
- Carlson Center Welcome Orientation
- MLK Jr. Day of Service Orientation
- End of quarter advising meeting
Scholarship Award: $2,000 per year
YEARS THREE & FOUR
Expectations:
- Ellis Fellows will be expected to design a personal service-learning proposal and individual assessment plan with advice from a Carlson Center staff member.
- The individual assessment plan will demonstrate the student’s ability to understand and measure the impact of service and research on the community.
- The service-learning plan will include a community component and demonstrate a direct connection to the student’s academic study.
- Ellis Fellows will be expected to provide regular service proposal updates and evidence of progress.
- A community-focused capstone project (leadership or research focused) will complete the transition from Ellis Civic Fellow to Ellis Civic Leader.
Scholarship Award: $3,000 - $5,000 per year
