UNC Chapel Hill: APPLES Service-Learning Program: For Students

ACT OUT! Social Entrepreneur Fellowships

Program Overview

This one-year Fellowship is designed for aspiring social entrepreneurs who are interested in making a significant contribution locally, nationally or internationally through the creation of an entre-preneurial project that addresses a community issue or need.

Fellows receive enrollment in a social venture development course, up to $1,500 to help launch their idea, support from APPLES students and staff, and invaluable leadership training and personal development. Five Fellowships are awarded each fall.

Any returning, full-time undergraduate student or a team of students at UNC are eligible to apply. Fellows are not required to be enrolled in the Minor in Entrepreneurship; however, students who are enrolled are eligible to fulfill their summer internship requirement through this fellowship. For more information on the Minor in Entrepreneurship, please visit here.

One representative from each selected project is required to enroll in the spring course PLCY 326, “Social Ventures”. In conjunction with the Minor in Entrepreneurship, this course is integrated as the academic requirement for all APPLES Social Entrepreneur Fellows. This 3-credit course examines the concepts and tools needed to pursue social ventures, taking students through the process of creating a detailed plan for their proposed venture. Fellows work in close collaboration with a community partner and implement their projects in the summer and fall following the completion of the required course.

All Fellows submit a written final report reviewing project accomplishments, barriers, key lessons learned and recommendations for future Fellows. In addition, Fellows will be asked to prepare a formal presentation at the culminating Recognition Dinner.

APPLES is available for individual project consultation to provide applicants with beneficial tips on developing a project proposal, as well as helpful information on social entrepreneurship and community development strategies.

In an effort to enhance the sustainability and continuity of former Fellowship projects, APPLES offers continuing funding opportunities for previous recipients on a rolling basis.

To obtain contact information for the current SEF Chair, please refer to the APPLES' Organizers directory.