Eligibility

The Kenneth Cole Community Engagement Program is open to sophomores and juniors in Columbia Engineering and Columbia College. The program is designed for students who are willing to devote a considerable amount of energy and reflection to the process of community building. 

If accepted into the program, students will be required to register for a credit-bearing course entitled "Community Engagement and Community Building: Strengthening Communities to Advance Social Change" in the Spring semester, as well as participate in the summer living-learning experience. Kenneth Cole Fellows will receive a summer stipend of $3000 in addition to on-campus housing for the duration of the internship (approximately 11 weeks from early June to mid-August). Students are responsible for their own housing for the weeks before and after the internship. Please note that Fellows are not permitted to hold additional employment during the course of the summer internship. Students receiving financial aid will have their summer work contribution waived if accepted into this program.

Application Requirements

In order to apply for the program, students must submit the following materials:

• A completed application form;
• A personal statement of interest; 
• A one-page resume; and
• An undergraduate transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable).

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE 2013 EXPERIENCE IS OCTOBER 21st, AT 11:59PM. Exceptional applicants will be invited for an interview. Approximately twelve students will be selected to participate in the program. The selection committee will notify applicants of their decision by early November 2012.

Selection Process

The selection committee will review applications while focusing on the following:

• Academic performance;
• A personal statement of interest;
• Recommendation from instructors; and
• The ability and commitment to complete the program

The personal statement of interest should consist of 500-750 words and describe your interest in the program and community engagement; how you would connect your academic experience to your participation in this program; what you hope to gain from this experience, particularly with regard to your future endeavors and career plans; and what you can contribute to the team of Kenneth Cole Fellows.

How to Apply

1.  Click here to complete the Application.

2.  Visit LionSHARE to upload and submit your resume, transcript and personal statement.  If you have any problems logging in or uploading documents to LionSHARE, please email careereducation@columbia.edu

*Note that you MUST complete both steps 1 and 2 in order to submit a complete application for the Fellowship.

If you have any questions about the application process, email Natasha Rossi.

Kenneth Cole Community Engagement Program Timeline

October 17th & 18th 2012
Kenneth Cole Community Engagement Forum and Student Presentations

October 21st 2012
Application deadline for program

January 2013-May 2013
Kenneth Cole Fellows participate in spring course and spring program series

June 2013- August 2013
Kenneth Cole Fellows participate in community engagement summer internship and summer living-learning experience