Changemakers Fellowship
Our Fellowship
The Changemakers Fellowship is a paid leadership development program for current students passionate about addressing basic needs insecurity on college campuses. Our goal is to empower and equip these students with the requisite skills to address policy and practice changes at their institutions for students in need.
Today, nearly half of all college students will struggle to meet their basic needs during their course of study. Rates of food and housing insecurity for college students are much higher than the general public.
And for many students, a small expense can mean a missed class, which can quickly spiral into an incomplete course, which can lead to the loss of a scholarship and dropping out of school with a pile of debt and nothing to show for it.
When students tell us what they need, we believe them. By creating an opportunity for students to gain advocacy skills while developing a platform to share their expertise, we can help higher education transform into a system better equipped to support today’s #RealCollege students.
Pay it Forward
These MATC students have transitioned from being emergency aid recipients to becoming Changemakers Fellows, demonstrating their commitment to repaying kindness with kindness.
I found a newfound confidence just by being in this fellowship. I discovered I do have power, my voice does matter, and what I say can create change.
Our Vision
By participating in the Changemakers Fellowship, students will:
Attend engaging and interactive weekly leadership development trainings
Receive ongoing support from an on-campus professionals
Cultivate key campus and community connections to expand their network and impact
Advocate for changes to campus programs, policies, and practices that better meet student needs
What do the Changemakers Fellows learn?
In our weekly leadership development trainings, Changemakers Fellows will build their knowledge, skills, and abilities in four key competency areas, and will learn from external experts and speakers, key readings, multimedia presentations, and a supportive community of peers. Students gained competency in:
Fundamentals of Basic Needs Insecurity:
Understanding the core issues surrounding students’ access to critical necessities, such as food and housing, within an educational context.
Persuasive Communication:
Strengthening the ability to effectively convey ideas,advocate for change, and mobilize stakeholders through compelling and influential communication strategies.
Campus and Community Advocacy:
Developing the expertise necessary to champion students’ well-being and build support networks both within the institution and in the wider community.
Professional Development:
Equipping students with essential skills to navigate the professional environment, manage projects, and lead initiatives effectively.
How do Changemakers Fellows take action on campus?
Throughout the year, Changemakers Fellows identify critical issues on their campus that they want to address, and plan ways to create impact. These may include organizing events to raise awareness and support for the FAST Fund, gathering student feedback via campus surveys to understand pressing needs, and developing power maps to identify key decision-makers and influencers on campus.
Changemakers Fellows develop and advance an Advocacy Agenda with a detailed activation plan, targeting specific practice or policy changes at the campus, system, or state/federal level.
Focus Areas
- Childcare
- Food Security
- Transportation
- Housing
- Affordability & Accessibility
- Physical & Mental Health
The ultimate goal is to reduce basic needs insecurity and improve the higher education system for today’s college students. By engaging in these efforts, Changemakers Fellows aim to bring about meaningful change within their institutions and beyond.
To learn more about the Changemakers Fellowship, please contact Emi Pavia epavia@believeinstudents.org.
Changemakers Fellowship Alumni
2024 -2025 Cohort
|
Montserrat Hernandez Governors State University |
Tania Hernaddez Govenors State University |
Luis Quinonez Malcolm X City College |
Michael Roman Malcolm X City College |
Elsa Marks MATC |
|
Rogelio Regis Lara MATC |
Royalty Grace MATC |
Catlin Burkey NEIU |
Diana Ortiz NEIU |
Sade Cooley NEIU |
|
Aahana Goswami University of Illinois at Chicago |
Gabriela Perez University of Illinois at Chicago |
Joshua Gentry Wilbur Wright College |
Zainab Zafar Wilbur Wright College |
|
2022 - 2023 Cohort
|
Gee Squires – Davis Northeastern Illinois University |
Greogory Halik Northeastern Illinois University |
Nasima Daud Northeastern Illinois University |
Xochitl Regalado Governors State University |
Alana Taylor Governors State University |
Jessica Molinar Governors State University |
Jermain House Milwaukee Area Technical College |
2023 -2024 Cohort
|
Praise Daniels Wilbur Wright College |
Masuma Khan Wilbur Wright College |
Xochitl Regalado Governors State University |
Alana Taylor Governors State University |
Montserrat Hernandez Governors State University |
|
John Williams MATC |
Marz Ezeji MATC |
Ryan McCaffrey MATC |
Cedric Frison NEIU |
Pacifique Uwiringiyimana NEIU |
Fellowship Chat Podcast
Check out the amazing stories of our Changemaker fellows as they look back on their fellowship experiences. See the incredible impact they’ve made on campuses across the Great Lakes Region and how these experiences have shaped their personal growth and careers.
Interest Form
Are you interested in learning how we are making a difference? Sign up to receive more information about our programs and initiatives that support students in need. Please fill out the form below, and we will keep you updated on opportunities to get involved, program highlights, and upcoming events!