JCCP Student Innovation Fund

During the 2019-2020 academic year, over 400 Wesleyan students engaged in programs sponsored by the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships (JCCP). Students have worked on behalf of educational programs, programs addressing hunger and homelessness, among others. All student efforts are representative of our commitment to co-creating mutually respectful partnerships in pursuit of a just, equitable, and sustainable future for communities beyond the campus—nearby and around the world.

The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships continues to support this work while encouraging student innovation in an effort to deepen our contribution to the greater Middletown community.

Students will be awarded up to $750 for spring OR summer projects that support at least one of the following categories in the greater Middletown community:

Collaboration between student groups, faculty/staff, and/or community partners.

We encourage students to envision, then implement innovations that strengthen collaboration across student groups, campus units/departments, and partnerships with community institutions.
Example: Creating a fundraiser and toiletry drive for a local homeless shelter that showcases student and community member talent.

Investigation of the impact of our civic engagement efforts.

We welcome proposals that will shed light on the impact of Wesleyan student civic engagement efforts.
Example: Studying Wesleyan students’ political engagement and learning the impact it has on Middletown politics.

Sharing of ideas and learnings in civic engagement via:

Paper submissions
Conference presentations
Digital and/or print media
On-campus or off-campus sharing events (panels with guests, short films, etc)
Example: Hosting a panel of community leaders highlighting the benefits of community service.

Need some ideas? Check out last year’s Innovation Fund Reports.

The Details:

Fill out an application, indicating the category of support (Collaboration, Investigation, or Sharing) you are applying for.
Applications will be reviewed by JCCP staff, Wesleyan’s Engagement Council, and the Allbritton Community Advisory Board.
All grantees are required to read the Cardinal Community Commitment and will be invited to related trainings.
Implement your innovation in Spring or Summer 2022. JCCP staff will support your work through brainstorming, connecting you to community partners, or advertising through ENGAGE channels.
Funding can be used for costs associated with transportation, supplies, technology needs, food etc. Grants cannot be used as stipends for work done.
All grantees will be expected to submit a public report for the ENGAGE blog, which should include photos or other media about your project experience, learning, and results. In addition, please be prepared to be called on to participate at civic engagement panels, Allbritton Center Advisory Board meetings, and/or other Jewett Center events.