Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows

The Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows program offers Penn State undergraduate students a unique opportunity to develop and pursue purpose by connecting their classroom knowledge to real-world experiences and community impact. The program also strengthens Penn State’s land-grant mission and embodies our Commonwealth Commitments to prepare students, inspire discovery, and serve Pennsylvania.

Program Overview

The Impact Fellows program welcomes high-performing undergraduate students from all disciplines to work on challenges faced by communities across Pennsylvania and beyond. As part of this transformative three-semester experiential learning opportunity, Impact Fellows receive $2,000 to advance Outreach’s civic engagement through faculty/staff-guided work with local, regional, state, and global partners.

To qualify for the Impact Fellows program, undergraduate students should have at least a 2.5 GPA and:

submit outstanding proposals for high-impact learning experiences dedicated to at least one of the Commonwealth Commitments,
demonstrate financial need and/or logistical barriers to participation in Outreach-supported, Outreach-led, and/or community engaged learning experiences, or
connect to programs in partnership with the University strategic priorities.

Meaningful mentorship, which may include experiential learning coaches and staff or faculty to guide reflection, skill articulation, and career preparation
Scholarship and funding support that reduces financial barriers to participation
Student success focused on NACE Career Competencies and measured by demonstration of student readiness and confidence
Real-world engagement on long-term projects that address community problems with outcomes built in weeks, not hours
Cohort experience and reflective components that increase belonging and learning transfer
Highlighted student outcomes through storytelling, events, and shared university metrics
Cross-functional collaboration on achievable community and civic engagement goals with research faculty and other internship programs

The Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows program provides individual student awards of up to $2,000 to accepted Impact Fellows and helps them to:

Build an outcome-focused portfolio and explore their interests and purpose through high-impact community engagement efforts
Grow through beyond-the-classroom engagement with high impact programs, work-integrated-learning, and professional opportunities
Prepare for a purposeful and impactful future by connecting them with research, internships, and experiences that address community and civic challenges

Selected Impact Fellows will be expected to:

Attend all mandatory information sessions and workshops
Complete a free, noncredit course through Canvas
Meet each week with assigned faculty or staff supervisor
Complete assessments before, during, and at the end of your project/experience, including a written reflection
Create and present a poster at the Experiential Learning Showcase or other regional showcase event
Serve as Experiential Learning ambassadors until graduation

Program Details

Requirements for Student Learning Experiences - Requirements for student learning experiences and examples of experiences that would qualify.
Program Timeline - What to expect during each semester of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions - A list of frequently asked questions by students for the Experiential Learning Student Impact Fellows program.
Application - Application deadline and a preview of information required when completing the application.
Information for Faculty, Staff, and Supervisors - Responsibilities of mentors in the Impact Fellows program.

Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows

Program Overview

What Makes This Program Unique?

Fellowship Benefits for Students

Expectations of Accepted Impact Fellows

Program Details