Social Concerns Summer Fellowship

Make the Most of your Summer and Find the Purpose Behind Your Potential

Are you a current sophomore or junior?

Looking for a summer justice opportunity?

Then apply for the Social Concerns Summer Fellowship!

The Social Concerns Summer Fellowship is a one-credit course and an eight-week immersive experience researching a question of justice that relates to your professional goals or personal interests. Partner with one of over 60 organizations working to address healthcare access, human rights, education gaps, climate justice, financial empowerment, housing policies, and more. The eight week immersive experience will align with the organization’s requirements. Our 2026 partner organizations will be available in October.

  • All living expenses paid + a $2,500 stipend
  • Faculty mentorship + 24/7 staff support
  • Open to all majors + no prerequisites

“From this summer fellowship experience, I have learned, embraced, and advocated for every person’s right to dignity, agency, and respect, despite the trauma and harm that they may have experienced.”

– Aria, Casa Teresa

Summer Fellowship Locations

Program Details

  • Financial Information: All travel, food, and housing expenses are covered. In addition, students receive $2,500. 
  • Summer Dates: Saturday, May 31, 2025 – Saturday, July 26, 2025
  • Course Credit and Times: Course Credit and Times: Social Concerns Summer Fellowship is a 1-credit S/U Spring semester course that will take place on Thursdays from 6:00–8:00pm (first class will be February 20, 2025).
  • Housing: Students live together in groups of four, a model that fosters the support of intentional community. Students live either on site or close enough to walk or take public transportation to their work site (i.e., no cars).

“I learned the profound impact of compassionate and nonjudgmental care on maintaining dignity and improving health outcomes in underserved populations.“

– Reagan, Sr. Maura Brannick Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to pay for travel from my $2,500? No, all travel, housing, and food will be paid for. You will also receive $2,500.

Will I get my first choice of site? It depends on interest in the site and attributes that would benefit the site and you. The best approach is to stay open to other possibilities if the first preference doesn’t work out or if our staff recommends another site.

Do I need to create a resume if I don’t have one? No. The application provides space to spell out your interests, skills, and experience, which are the qualifications we are looking at.

What about safety? The University of Notre Dame and the Institute for Social Concerns are committed to student safety. Each organization has safety guidelines in place, and students will receive a rigorous orientation about their site, city, country, living arrangements, etc. There will also be a faculty member assigned to students who will check in on a regular basis. In addition, Institute for Social Concerns staff can be contacted 24/7 throughout the summer experience.

What will I do at my site? Each site has a specific description linked to it. Site descriptions may change as roles develop and needs at the site change.

What if I change my mind about my site preferences? You can change your mind about site preferences during the interview process and will be given opportunities to confirm your site preferences later in the selection process.

“Everything you learn in the classroom absolutely matters and nothing is more fulfilling than applying these lessons in ways that have a visible impact on the lives of others. “

– Joshua, Allies for Community Business

Research for the Common Good Symposium

NDBridge and Summer Fellowship participants bring a research question to their summer experience, and submit their findings at the end of their eight-week commitment. Check out this year’s winners, who received up to $5,000 in funding to continue their research over the coming year.

To learn more about ISC summer engagement programs and opportunities, read the complete 2024 report here!

Info Sessions and Events

Application

The application for Social Concerns Summer Fellowship 2026 will open on Friday, November 14, 2025. To place your name on a list for updates, submit this form: Social Concerns Summer Fellowship Interest Form 2025-26

Questions?

If you have questions or want to make an appointment to speak with one of our program directors, contact Greg White at gwhite2@nd.edu.

Want to speak to a Social Concerns Summer Fellow alum? Reach out to our Social Concerns Summer Fellowship Alumni Team!