Resources
What is Civic Engagement?
Civic engagement encompasses a wide range of activities, including volunteering, political participation, advocacy, service-learning, and social entrepreneurship. At its essence, civic engagement involves taking part in efforts designed to improve the collective good.
Students at UC Irvine have many opportunities to become and remain civically engaged.
In addition to the programs available through our office — UC Washington, D.C., UC Center Sacramento, and the Civic & Community Engagement Minor — there are many opportunities available for students on campus and in the community. While it is by no means an exhaustive list, below are some resources, internships, and fellowships.
Campus Departments
UCI Scholarship Opportunities Program
The Scholarship Opportunities Program (SOP) advises competitive UCI undergraduate students in applying for prestigious merit scholarships, grants, and graduate fellowships. SOP informs students on a select group of 21 prestigious awards that are national and international in scope, including opportunities for funded research and study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. SOP also facilitates UCI’s processes for evaluating applications and endorsing candidates for awards requiring University nomination.
The SOP website also has curated lists of opportunities for undergraduate study, graduate study, and internships.
Learn more at the SOP Website.
UCI Division of Career Pathways
The Division of Career Pathways (DCP) serves as the hub for career development and preparation for our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and professionals, as well as a recruitment center for local, regional, and national organizations. Looking for an internship, guidance on building a competitive resume, or how to write a compelling cover letter? DCP provides resources and support for you.
Learn more at the DCP Website.
UCI Volunteer Programs
Volunteer Programs provides opportunities for community engagement and leadership development. Through mutually beneficial campus and community partnerships, students explore social issues by engaging in direct service, reflection, and critical dialogue.
In addition to sharing local and virtual volunteer opportunities, Volunteer Programs houses the UCI Alternative Break Program, the annual Community Service & Leadership Fair, and the MLK Jr. Day of Service.
Learn more at the UCI Volunteer Programs Website.
Scholarships & Fellowships
There are myriad internships and fellowships available across disciplines. Below is a list highlighting opportunities specifically related to civic engagement and public service.
Note that some internships require campus endorsement. Students interested in those opportunities work with the Scholarship Opportunities Program to develop materials and be considered for campus endorsement.
Emerson National Hunger Fellowship
Housed in the Congressional Hunger Center, the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship trains and inspires new leaders in the movement to end hunger and poverty in the United States. Fellows gain vital first-hand experience through placements with community-based...
APAICS Congressional Fellowship
The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Congressional Fellowship is for applicants looking to start careers in government service. Through a nine-month placement on Capitol Hill with a congressional office or committee, fellows...
Fellows Program in Public Affairs (FPPA)
The Fellows Program in Public Affairs (FPPA) is a full-time 9 month leadership development program that provides recent college graduates and young professionals with deep insight into the challenges facing the region, and the leadership skills, cross-sector...
College Corps Fellows
UC Irvine is among 45 statewide campuses selected for the inaugural #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program.Students who are accepted into the College Corps program at UC Irvine engage in community-serving opportunities while also receiving financial compensation...
Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program
Managed by the Partnership for Public Service, the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program helps bring diverse young talent to government and offers students the opportunity to apply their educational training to work at a federal agency. Undergraduate,...
Pickering Fellowship
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Howard University, that attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State....
California Capital Fellows
The California Capital Fellows Programs hosted by Sacramento State are nationally recognized public policy fellowships which offer unique experiences in policy-making and development in each branch of government. Capital Fellows are placed at some of the highest...
Strauss Scholarship
The creation of the Foundation’s Public Service Award pays tribute to the vision, ideals, and leadership of Donald A. Strauss, and to his life-long commitment to public service and education. The Foundation promotes the value of public service in the education and...
Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation—the federal memorial to our thirty-third President—awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for...