Madison Community Scholars (MCS)

James Madison University

2017-2018 Scholarship Application

The Office of Community Service-Learning co-creates transformative learning environments and mutually beneficial partnerships with students, faculty members, and community membersto directly address community identified capacities, root causes, and pressing needsleading to engaged citizenship and purposeful community involvement.

Madison Community Scholarsenhance the ability of community partners to meet their goals and leverage their strengths by serving 8-10 hours per week for the fall and spring semesters. MCS students strengthen their civic leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills by facilitating community partner projects and volunteer management. Madison Community Scholars receive a scholarshipof $1250.00 per semester.

As a Madison Community Scholar, you can expect to:

Engage in service that addresses community-identified priorities and increases the capacity of community partners.

Participate in regular developmental and issue-based trainings and reflection activities.

Engage in team-building and group service activities with other Madison Community Scholars.

Develop leadership, advocacy, and communication skills.

Expectations and Commitment

Make Service-Learning and leadership development a priority.
Attend a Madison Community Scholars orientation during the first week of the fall semester.
Complete 8-10 hours perweek includingserviceto your community partner, regularly scheduled cohort meetings, and training/reflection opportunities.
Must be in good academic standing. Preference will be given to candidates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Qualities and Requirements

Passion for service
Openness to learning
Flexibility and appreciation for change
Willingness to participate in group presentations
Commitment to:
Enhancing self-awareness
Effective time management
Developing effective individual and small group communication skills

SECTION 1: Application Information

Name Click or tap here to enter text.ID# Click or tap here to enter text.

Permanent Address Click or tap here to enter text.

Local Address Click or tap here to enter text.

Local Phone Click or tap here to enter text.

E-Mail Click or tap here to enter text.

Current Academic Level Click or tap here to enter text. Expected graduation date Click or tap here to enter text.

Major Click or tap here to enter text.Minor Click or tap here to enter text.

GPA Click or tap here to enter text.

SECTION 2: Service Experience

In a prospective Madison Community Scholar, we look for students who have shown dedication to activities of importance in their lives. Please submit a 1-page resume or 1-page brief overview describing the leadership and service activities in which you have been involved over the past three years. These can include on-going weekly or monthly service commitments, special events and short-term service projects, significant family responsibilities, employment and/or summer service projects.

SECTION 3: Short Answer Questions

Please respond to the following three questionsin 250 words or less.All submissions must be typed and double-spaced.

The Madison Community Scholars Program is committed to the belief that students have the ability to work toward addressing significant social issues through their service and leadership. Describe a social, political or economic issue that is important to you. In what ways have you been involved in this issue?
What will you uniquely bring to the Madison Community Scholars Program? What do you hope to gain from participating in the program?
Identify one thing about your community that you would like to change and describe why you believe this change is necessary. Tell us about a strength you possess that would help you work for this change and something about you that would make it challenging for you to work for change.

SECTION 6: References

Please provide reference information for two individuals who have firsthand knowledge of your service experience, character, abilities, and commitment to engage in your community. We may contact your reference during the selection process.

Name: ______Title: ______

Phone: ______Email: ______

Name: ______Title: ______

Phone: ______Email: ______

Submission Instructions

Please include the following materials:

1)Scholarship Application

2)Leadership and Service Resume

3)Short Answer Responses

4)References

Please submit your completed applicationby 11:59pm on Thursday, April 6, 2017

via email to Chinenye Omile at

For more information about the Madison Community Scholars Program, please check out

Questions? Please feel free to email Chinenye Omile or call (540)568-6366