Helen S. and Alexander W. Astin
Civic Engagement Scholars Program
2009 – 2010
In honor of the Astins’ nationally recognized body of research in the area of civic engagement, UCLA has established the Helen S.
and Alexander W. Astin Civic Engagement Scholars Program. Administered by the UCLA Center for Community Learning with
inaugural funding from the UCLA Foundation, the Astin Scholars Program celebrates the work of reflective undergraduate researchers
committed to civic engagement.
What is Civic Engagement?
Civic Engagement includes both an awareness of public issues and active participation with community organizations. Students who are civically engaged apply what they have learned and generate new knowledge across disciplines through research and scholarship. Through these partnerships, UCLA develops tomorrow’s leaders for a diverse democracy.
What is the Astin Scholars Program?
The Astin Scholars Program funds a select group of upper-division students to conduct research on civic engagement. Over the course of
a full academic year, students integrate experience gained from work at a community organization with academic scholarship,
under the guidance of a faculty mentor, to produce an honors thesis or comprehensive research project.
Astin Scholars will be awarded up to $6,000 each for the 2009-10 academic year.
How to Apply:
First, apply to the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Instructions are posted at www.ugeducation.ucla.edu/urhass/scholarships.htm.
Then, complete the Center for Community Learning supplemental application, available at www.civicengagement.ucla.edu/Astinscholars.
Applications are available on April 1 and are due on June1, 2009.
Civic engagement is a powerful means for developing our students’ knowledge and values, and for creating leaders who are prepared to deal with society’s most pressing problems.”
— Helen and Alexander Astin
Filed under: Scholarships
