Civic Scholars is now accepting applications

The Troy University Office of Civic Engagement is accepting applications for its Civic Scholars program. The deadline to apply is Friday, Aug. 29.  

“Civic Scholars is a volunteer program at the Office of Civic Engagement where volunteers get 15 semester hours or service hours a semester,” said Jayden McQueen, a senior political science major from Crestview, FL.  

She explained that a common misconception is that the program is a scholarship or a paid job when it is completely volunteer. 

Students who participate in Civic Scholars have the opportunity to serve in the Office of Civic Engagement’s six initiatives. Students can choose to serve with Campus Kitchens, Civic Lab & Democracy Project, Garden & Nutrition Education, Trojan Pantry and Bright Futures.  

“I think Civic Scholars is a great opportunity to meet people and actually learn how to make a difference in the community, not just on campus,” said Ella Prat, a junior theatre major from Foley, Alabama.  

Prat serves within the garden and nutrition program, where she teaches elementary students how to plant in their school garden and the difference between a healthy and unhealthy diet.  

Prat started out serving at the Trojan Pantry, where she fell in love with serving Troy’s community by providing free groceries to fellow students.  

“It was really great because I got to meet a lot of people,” Prat said. “I got to see how many students actually benefit from the Trojan Pantry.” 

Coordinator of the Office of Civic Engagement Lauren Cochran explained why she thinks participating in Civic Engagement is important for students and their community. 

“At Civic Engagement, we feel that being an active part of your campus and even your [...] local community should be a part of every person's college experience,” Cochran said.  “We just feel like that's an integral part of personal and professional development. 

Cochran said Civic Scholars provides an opportunity to both engage with their community and develop skills like critical and positive thinking, time management and teamwork. She also said the program provides opportunities for students to utilize those skills to implement real, positive change in the world around them. 

Cochran added that Civic Scholars has developed into a close community of students and encourages students looking for friends to consider joining.  

To apply, go to my.troy.edu/civicscholars. For more information, visit their Instagram page @troy_service.