Become a Community Engagement Scholar

A structured academic plan

Community Engagement Scholars is a three- or four-year, structured academic program that prepares students for lives as engaged citizens. It provides a framework for integrating traditional academic coursework with hands-on experiences in preparation for life as an engaged citizen. It is open to all majors.

Undergraduate students can join Community Engagement Scholars as incoming students, or through the second semester of their sophomore year.

Incoming freshmen and transfers admitted to the UD’s Newark campus and Associate in Arts Program (AAP) are eligible for this program.

You should apply as early as possible in your academic career to ensure you have time to meet all the requirements. A program-specific advisor can help you find the courses and co-curricular experiences that will help you grow and learn.

Keep reading to find information about program requirements and more. Contact us at BlueHensEngage@udel.edu if you still have questions.

Year by year

Year 1: Every CE scholar, regardless of major, takes the same two courses to get a foundational understanding of community engagement. (4-6 credits*)

Year 2/3: Take 9 credits of required classes or electives in your major or minor that have a community engagement component. Your program advisor will help you find these classes. (9 credits)

Years 1-3: Aim to log about 25 hours of community service each semester. As you continue through the program, you will progressively engage more deeply with the community through your service.

Year 3: Identify and participate in an immersion program. This experience is typically connected to your major or minor, and can take many different forms. Past immersion experiences have included a paid position with a community behavioral health provider, a research assistantship at a local hospital, and a congressional internship with a U.S. senator. Take 2 credits of coursework that integrates service and academics. (2 credits)

Year 4: Wrap up service hours and design an e-portfolio that documents your service and academics, and demonstrates your growth and understanding related to community engagement. Capstone course. (3 credits)

*One of the Year 1 program courses may be taken for 1 or 3 credits. Students completing the program in three years will condense these requirements.

Apply now

To be considered for admission to the Community Engagement Scholars Program, apply through the My Blue Hen Home student portal. All majors are eligible.

Current students can apply using the link below.

Program requirements

The application includes an essay, which describes what community engagement means to you and how it connects to the your goals.

Current student applicants should have and maintain a 3.2 GPA. Courses taken before joining the Community Engagement Scholars program may meet requirements, contingent on approval of the Faculty Review Board.

First year students may apply after completing one semester at UD.
Deadline: Rolling admissions

Sophomores may apply in the fall.
Deadline: Rolling admissions

Are you a current student interested in becoming a Community Engagement Scholar? Email Leann Moore at lmoore@udel.edu to set up an interview.

In order to graduate with recognition as a Community Engagement Scholar (which will appear on your transcript), you must complete all requirements laid out in the academic plan document.

Download the CE Scholars Academic Plan for the full requirements and semester-by-semester plan. (Updated July 2025)

Download the CE Scholars Planning Document for a worksheet to help you track requirements. (Updated Dec. 2023)

Download the Immersion Experience Contract. (Updated July 2025)

Still have questions?

Check out the FAQ for a list of commonly asked questions. Or contact us at BlueHensEngage@udel.edu.