What is DukeEngage?
DukeEngage empowers students to address critical human needs through immersive service, in the process transforming students, advancing the University’s educational mission, and providing meaningful assistance to communities in the U.S. and abroad. Funded by grants—$15 million each—from The Duke Endowment and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DukeEngage enables partner organizations to work with students, faculty, and staff to create projects that serve community needs while providing full funding to students for these endeavors. During the summer of 2012, nearly 450 Duke undergraduates participated in either independent projects or group programs, with nearly a quarter serving within the United States.
What is civic engagement?
Civic engagement is action undertaken at the request of a community partner that is designed to identify and address issues of public concern. This definition may incorporate everything from traditional service work to non-partisan political participation and includes both direct service---or “hands-on” work---and “capacity building” activities.
Who is eligible to participate in DukeEngage?
Any student who has completed two semesters at Duke and who will spend at least one semester back on campus after the DukeEngage experience is eligible to participate. Because one of our primary goals of the program is for the campus community to benefit from the shared experience of participants, graduating seniors are not eligible to take part. Students may participate in only one funded DukeEngage experience.
What commitments should students consider when applying?
Group programs take place throughout the summer and last a minimum of eight consecutive weeks. Group program dates are set by program staff and must be adhered to by students. Independent projects also must last a minimum of eight weeks and may continue for up to one year. Under the guidance of the Duke faculty or staff member who agreed to act as their mentor at the time of application, participants implementing independent project must submit a capstone project upon completing DukeEngage. The capstone may be a research paper, poster or plan of continued service or action related to the independent project. All students are required to attend the DukeEngage Academy.
To how many programs and how soon can a student apply?
A student may apply for an independent project or up to two group programs (one must be domestic) as early as the freshman year.
What types of opportunities are available through DukeEngage?
Students are eligible to participate in a wide variety of domestic and international group programs. Duke faculty, staff, or volunteer-sending organizations develop all DukeEngage programs. Alternatively, one may choose to collaborate with a community partner and a Duke faculty or staff mentor to develop an independent project.
What costs are covered by DukeEngage?
Students doing independent projects will be funded based on the cost of living in their host community. All program-related expenses are covered for group programs. These may include: travel, meals and accommodations, vaccinations, visas, and incidentals. Participants receiving need-based financial aid will receive a summer earnings waiver.
Are there specific start and end dates for each program?
Each group program will have its own respective start and end dates that apply to participating students. Specific departure and return dates for each group program will be announced as soon as they are known. Start and end dates for independent projects are left to the discretion of the student and community partner. All experiences must last a minimum of eight consecutive weeks.
Are there prerequisites or language requirements for group programs?
DukeEngage staff and program leaders will determine language or other applicable prerequisites, which will be identified in program descriptions.
Can several students apply to volunteer on an independent project with the same community partner?
Yes, however, each student must submit his/her own application, and each application will receive separate consideration. Up to three students may take part in the same independent project.
What is the DukeEngage policy for students interested in pursuing semester-long or yearlong projects?
Please plan to visit with a DukeEngage staff advisor about designing this kind of experience.
How can I learn more about specific group programs and how to apply for an independent project?
Throughout the year, DukeEngage will hold information sessions related to specific group sites. Notifications will be announced on our web site, our DukeEngage Twitter site and via the DukeEngage listserv. Students interested in proposing an independent project should schedule an appointment with our independent project coordinator by writing dukeengage@duke.edu or calling 919.660.3223.