Civic Scholars | Arcadia University

Arcadia University Civic Scholars

Pre-Orientation Program

Incoming Civic Scholars participate in Arcadia START (Students Taking Active Responsibility Together), a 3-day orientation program just before Welcome Week to introduce them to the local community and to Arcadia’s opportunities for community service and advocacy.

Groups of students talk outside a classroom.

First Year Seminar

Civic Scholars have access to a first year seminar designed especially for them. The course includes special events like dinner with the University president and guest lectures from local change-makers.

Students and faculty sit on a wall on campus and talk.

Specialized Mentorship and Advising

Throughout their time at Arcadia, Civic Scholars will have the encouragement and advice of the Director of the Office of Social Impact and Innovation, Dr. Alison LaLond Wyant. Alison has advised hundreds of high-achieving students as they chart their course through their degree paths towards lives of purpose.

Lines of desks, students and laptops in a classroom

Community Building and Peer-to-Peer Leadership

Civic Scholars co-create the community for their program, with plans for the inaugural class to have a hand in shaping and leading future classes’ pre-orientation programs, and designing a living-learning residential community for the program, for example.

In a library two students talk to a faculty member.

Internships for Social Impact

During one semester or summer, typically in the junior year, Civic Scholars engage in an internship for at least 140 hours with an organization geared toward social impact. Program staff, the Office of Career Education, and the Office of Study Away help students find placements locally or in one of Arcadia’s host cities overseas — in municipalities, non-profit organizations, government offices, social enterprises, or legislators’ offices — and frame the experience with critical reflection.

A formal presentation in a gilded room in the Castle filled with students.

Social Innovation Incubator

The inaugural class of juniors and seniors in the program will co-create and lead a Social Innovation Incubator program for Arcadia stakeholders to develop their ideas for social progress.

Six gateway students in front of Castle, smiling and walking towards the camera.

Application & Admission

Submit an application

In your application, you will be asked to include a 300-500 word essay about what piqued your interest in social change and why are you interested in being an Arcadia Civic Scholar?