Dream. US Community Changemaker Fellowship

We are not accepting new fellows at this time.

Fellowship  Guidelines

Overview -   This fellowship is a collaboration between SUNY Old Westbury and Dream. US Experiential Fellowship Program, that supports Dream US Scholars sophomores. SUNY Old Westbury’s Community Changemaker Fellows projects will research unique issues and barriers faced by many undocumented students. They will strive to empower those students that are passionate about creating positive change.   

Fellowship Award Amount

The fellowship payment is for 75 total hours during the Fall semester over ten weeks.  

Fellows will receive $ 1,500 for completed fellowship. 

 Student Eligibility Requirements

1. Be currently enrolled as a Dream. US Scholar at SUNY Old Westbury  
2. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher  
3. Have a valid Social Security Card or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) at time of fellowship application.  

Application Submission Process

Applicants must complete the Dream. US Community Changemaker Fellowship via the CALL webpage or emailed application.

Research

Fellows will research unique issues and barriers faced by many undocumented students. The research may include studies on access to education, financial aid, mental health, being first generation, developing strategies or a guide (video) for better supporting undocumented students, development of a new community-based or university organization or initiative and legal issues. Fellows may also engage in a research presentation that explores and enhances their understanding of an academic, scientific, local, political, or other socially relevant issue. All research will be academically focused, or research based.    

Professional Development Opportunities

Fellows will participate in professional development activities. These may include workshops on advocacy, policy, interpersonal skill development, soft and hard skills development, and leadership.  You will gain transferrable skills and increase potential for future success while gaining a competitive edge in the job market. Fellows will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with like-minded peers and a diverse community expanding your personal and professional network and harnessing your passions to make tangible impact on campus and beyond.  

Field Experience

This may include working on and off campus, with mentors, and organizations, in-person, hybrid, and/or remotely.

Fellows will

  1. Participate in their approved research, training, and/or experiential learning project total time of 75 hours over a ten-week period during the Fall semester.
  2. Engage in brief weekly check-ins with advisor over email, providing updates, questions etc.  
  3.  Submit a final reflection on their research, training, and/or experiential learning project as a 1-page paper.   
  4.  Present findings to a cohort of their peers at the end of the fellowship.

Fellowship funds will be disbursed first-serve, qualifications and subject to available funds.  

Selection Process: a committee will review applications and evaluate. 

Contact

Elizabeth Dysart
Director, Community Action, Leadership and Learning
dysarte@oldwestury.edu
516-876-3460  

Cristina Notaro
Assistant Provost for Student Success  
notaroc@oldwestbury.edu
516-876-3135