Carolina Center for Public Service - Public Service and Engagement at Carolina

EPS Fellowships

Overview

The EPS Fellowship Program awards five summer fellowships of up to $3,000 each to develop and implement social entrepreneurship projects that employ innovative, sustainable approaches to complex social needs anywhere in the world. Any returning, full-time undergraduate or graduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill is eligible to apply. Fellows work with community partners and faculty mentors who are familiar with their topics or geographic areas, and the students are responsible for the major planning and implementation of their projects. Faculty mentors receive $500 stipends for their involvement. The fellowships are made possible through the support of the Donald P. Kanak family.

Application Instructions

Completed applications must include: project proposal, project budget, student resume and faculty mentor and community partner agreement forms. Before you can begin the application form, you must submit the names and contact information for your faculty mentor and community partner. They will then receive directions to fill out their agreement forms online. Early submission of their information will ensure they have enough time to submit the forms before the February 1 deadline.

The 2008 application period is closed. If you have questions, please contact Elaine Tola at 843-7568.

Community Partners and Faculty Mentors

Each project must include a community partner and a UNC faculty mentor who use their expertise to guide the student in developing and implementing a successful project. The community partner should be involved from the beginning stages of project planning. Their role may include identifying and providing data about need, population, history and best practices, suggesting resources and helping Fellows navigate the community and plan for project sustainability. The role of the faculty mentor may include discussing research and other information that could inform project planning, connecting Fellows with appropriate resources and communicating with students over the summer as their projects develop.

Additional Information

Social entrepreneurship is the process of transforming an innovative idea into a sustainable enterprise that addresses a critical community need. Selected projects must include a plan for continuation and sustainability beyond the initial fellowship investment. Fellowships from undergraduate and graduate students will be considered separately, and if possible, at least two will be awarded to undergraduates. In addition to project completion, Fellows will be asked to meet the following requirements: complete the IRB review process if necessary (guide to IRB process), submit monthly reports and a final comprehensive report, and attend the Center’s annual awards luncheon, an orientation and mid-fellowship meeting, and a culminating celebration event.

 

Meet the current fellows.

Learn about previous Fellows.