Community Fellows, Summer 2026

COMMUNITY FELLOWS PROGRAM

ABOUT

Now in its 28th year, the Community Fellows program is a unique partnership between Vassar College and local non-profit and governmental agencies. The Office of Community-Engaged Learning (OCEL) aims to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with community organizations in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, and the greater Hudson Valley. By developing and centering partnerships, the OCEL provides students with the opportunity to learn alongside community partner organizations and make real-world connections to enhance their academic experiences. 

In the Community Fellows Program, students apply to support organizations with specific projects that align with their social justice passions and enhance their academic learning. Our community partner organizations serve as important co-educators and co-mentors of our Vassar students and the OCEL funds the Vassar students in an effort to best support community-based organizations in the Poughkeepsie area. 

The Community Fellows Program upholds the college’s mission by engaging students and community partners in the following ways:

  • Supporting capacity building with community partners by responding to community-identified projects
  • Providing students with an opportunity to experience meaningful work in non-profit and governmental sectors
  • Investing in the future of our community through public scholarship and engagement
  • Enhancing the relevance of a liberal arts education to a purposeful life

This program is open to all first years, sophomores, and juniors.

Community Partner Positions & Applications

Please review the position descriptions below and complete the application linked in the position description.

2026 Program Timeline

  • OCEL Advertises Community Fellows Positions & Accepts Applications: Monday, February 2, 2026 – Monday – Monday, March 23, 2026
    • Applications Open: Monday, February 2, 2026
    • Applications Close: Monday, March 23, 2026
  • OCEL Send Applications to Community Partners: Tuesday, March 24th
  • Community Partners Interview Students: Tuesday, March 24 – Monday, March 30, 2026
  • Community Partners Final Decisions Submitted to OCEL (send top 3 choices ranked): Monday, March 30, 2026 at 5pm
  • Student acceptance deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 
  • OCEL Meets with Community Fellows 1:1: Weeks of April 6th and April 13th 
  • VC Summer Housing Move-In: Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
  • First day of Community Fellows kick-off meeting: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
  • Start Date at Community Partner Organization: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
  • First Community Fellows cohort meeting: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
  • Final Reflection Workshop & Dinner: Wednesday July 29, 2026
  • Last day of Community Fellows program: Friday, July 31, 2026 
  • VC Summer Housing Move-Out: Thursday, August 6, 2026
  • Community Fellows Symposium (students and partner organizations): Friday, September 25, 2026

Student Expectations

  • Attend Community Fellows Orientation Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026
  • Students work full time (35 hrs/week) with a community partner organization for 10 weeks
  • Attend weekly cohort meetings (on Wednesdays from 5 – 7pm) with OCEL Team
  • Work in person, unless otherwise agreed upon with the organization
  • Live in the Poughkeepsie area (either on campus, or finding housing on their own)
  • Attend individual check-in meetings with OCEL Staff throughout the summer
  • Write 2 critical reflection one-page papers throughout the summer 
  • Create a presentation for the Community Fellows Symposium and present work to campus and community partners

Stipend

The stipend amount is agreed upon by all Vassar Summer Academic Research Programs. Students will receive two payments during the summer, which will total $6,000. For more information on summer room and board, please visit the Office of Residential Life website. Financial aid can be applied to the cost of housing.

FAQ

Is the Community Fellows Program Funded? Yes, the Community Fellows receive a $6,000 stipend for the 10 week program.

Can I work with an organization outside of the OCEL’s Community Fellows partners? No, the OCEL aims to build long-term, sustainable partnerships with local community partner organizations. These organizations have already agreed to participate in the program for Summer 2026.

Do I have to live in the Poughkeepsie area for the summer? Yes, our Community Fellows program requires that students live either on campus or find housing locally.

Questions?

Email OCEL Director, Elizabeth Cannon (ecannon@vassar.edu) or OCEL Associate Director, Jean Hinkley (jhinkley@vassar.edu)