Global Engagement Fellowship

The Global Engagement Fellowship (GEF) supports UNC Chapel Hill undergraduate students to conduct international social-justice oriented, summer projects. This fellowship is administered by UNC’s Campus Y – The Center for Social Justice and Social Innovation. For years, students within the Y and at Carolina have shown a commitment to engaging with communities, to address social injustices locally and around the world. This fellowship is open to all UNC undergraduate students; however, it prioritizes students who are active at the Campus Y.

The Campus Y is committed to opening access to global experiences; students who may not otherwise pursue or have the means to afford a global engagement experience are encouraged to apply. The number and amount of awards will depend on the students’ proposed budgets. Students may receive up to $2,500. The average number of recipients is four per year.

The Fellowship provides resources to support students in summer global experiences that are enriching for them and for the communities they visit. Project design can vary by approach or topic, and may focus on things such as: collaborative community engagement (community service), relationship building with a community partner, solidarity organizing, skill building or learning about a topic of interest with a specific goal in mind. Projects can be self-designed or associated with an ongoing effort or program in the country of interest, however GEF prioritizes “out of the box,” independent thinking and creative projects.

Projects should incorporate three main tenants: collaboration with a community-based organization in the chosen country, engaging in a way that promotes social justice, connecting the global experience to local action. This fellowship also prioritizes applicants who are considering the ethical implications of their project and who are dedicated to engaging in preparation and training events before departure. Recipients will be asked to attend Campus Y Global Circle Workshops, Global Speaker Series events, and UNC’s GO! (Global Orientation on Culture and Ethics.) Students are also expected to seek ongoing mentorship from an experienced person in their field / region of interest (mentor should be external from host organizations). During travel, they are asked to report back to Campus Y staff about their progress. Upon return, they will participate in reentry reflection, that they will share with their peers at the Y or on UNC’s campus.