Loras College
Civic Leaders Program

Scholarship Opportunity

The Civic Leaders program at Loras College strives to challenge students to develop attributes needed to be lifelong responsible contributors in their communities. Started in 2018 we have seen amazing leaders grow from this program. Civic Leaders serve with their own cohort of Loras students, and multiple cohorts across years, to learn about social justice issues and engage in action with non-profit and governmental organizations, while earning a $1,500 scholarship, each year, for four years.

CIVIC LEADERS:

LEARN: Engage in the community, via both curricular and co-curricular learning.
SERVE: Develop capacities to be positive change agents within communities through engaging in direct and indirect service on campus and in Dubuque.
ADVOCATE: Become responsible contributors through participating in experiential learning opportunities focused on teaching participants how to advocate for social issues.
LEAD: Build and strengthen partnerships focused on leading with community organizations that strive to be mutually beneficial to all.

Student Profile

The Civic Leaders program has allowed me to have an active role in service and leadership in my field of Public Relations, as a college student. It has. given me the confidence to try new things and work towards my future career goals.”
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-Ashley Kelly, Chicago, IL (’22)

The Civic Leaders Program integrates learning that occurs inside and outside of the classroom. The program is developmental across all four years to the college experience and requires the completion of a choice of various curricular experiences (e.g., course work, credited internships, study abroad) and co-curricular experiential learning (e.g., professional development experiences, non-credit internships and/or in-depth service with guided reflection). Civic Leaders engage in on-campus and off-campus service while dedicating time to reflect about how experience informs learning. Civic Leaders also lead within the program by assisting with facilitation of various pieces of the program with peers.

Gain skills in:
  • Creating partnerships
  • Integrating intercultural awareness and equity into relationships
  • Promoting asset-based approaches to problem-solving
  • Recognizing and understanding community needs
  • Social action and social justice practices
  • Contributing to responsible and sustainable change in communities
Application Process
  • Students admitted to the college may apply for this program scholarship. The scholarship application can be found on the Student Status page.
  • Must complete the Civic Leaders scholarship application.
    The application includes:

    • Essay – Within the scholarship application, you will be prompted to upload a 1 to 2 page essay addressing the following question: Why do you want to lead in service programs at Loras College?  
    • References – Within the application, you will be prompted to provide 2 references.
    • The priority deadline for submitting all materials is March 1.

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

“Being a member of Civic Leaders has continued to keep me reaching out to the surrounding community, encouraging me to be a more active member. Not only that but it has also provided me with the opportunity to be around other people who value service and community outreach.”

 

– Hannah McDermott (’24)

 

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"... providing me with the opportunity to be around other people who value service and community outreach."

Meet Hannah

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

“This program has taught me a lot on how to interact with people in communities – having effective conversations – seeing others’ viewpoints. My future career will require me to potentially do this, and it is important to learn because I’ll be interacting with people a lot.”

 

– Justin Wright, Clear Lake, IA (’24)

 

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"This program has taught me a lot on how to interact with people in communities..."

Meet Justin

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

“I think the program can help me to learn how to use my voice more often and speak up about things I am passionate about.”

 

– Keelin O’Mahoney, Chicago, IL (’25)

 

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"Learn how to use your voice more often and speak out."

Meet Keelin

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

“The Civic Leaders program has pushed me to take steps forward in my education and career paths. I have been able to make connections with local organizations and build relationships early in the game.”

 

– Nora Noonan (’25)

 

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"... make connections with local organizations and build relationships early in the game."

Meet Nora

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

“The Civic Leaders program has given me an amazing insight on how the real world is, but also how to challenge and be a leader in the real world. This program has given me the confidence to be a voice for myself and for others. I’ve been able to work with great people and share our love for equity and inclusion. I will forever be grateful for the immense opportunities this program has given me.”

 

– Nayle Garces (’24)

 

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"I've been able to work with great people and share our love for equity and inclusion."

Meet Nayle

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

“The Civic Leaders Program allowed me to engage in an active role in service and leadership in my field of Public Relations within the community of Dubuque. I was able to serve with local non-profits and campus organizations throughout my college experience. It helped me learn how to incorporate my values into a future job. It gave me the skills and confidence to succeed in my new job post-graduation as Marketing Coordinator with Masonry Advisory Council in Chicago, IL.”

 

– Ashley Kelly, Chicago, IL (’22)

 

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"I was able to serve with local non-profits and campus organizations throughout my college experience."

Meet Ashley