Community Engagement Fellowships
Graduate fellowships for the community engagement program help defray tuition costs while building and enhancing your professional skills.
Fellowship Types
The School of Education and Social Policy offers a wide range of internal (on-campus) graduate fellowship opportunities of the following types:
- Presidential Fellowships provide 100% of your graduate tuition and include a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 25 hours per week.
- Provost Fellowships provide 50% of your graduate tuition and include a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 15 hours per week.
Please note that fellowships are available to full-time M.Ed. in Community Engagement students only.
2025-2026 Community Engagement Fellowship Opportunities
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Career Advising Fellow - Merrimack College - Provost
Location: North Andover, MA
Job Description
The Center for Advising and Student Support (CASS) is a one-stop location for students to receive both academic and career advising. The career advising fellow will play a key role in guiding students through their early career development journey, helping them unlock their potential and explore diverse career pathways within our five academic schools:- Girard School of Business
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Education & Social Policy
- School of Engineering & Computational Sciences
- School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Working under the supervision of the school’s career advisor, this fellow will meet with undergraduate students to help them with career-related questions, with topics including but not limited to 1) giving advice on career paths and professional development; 2) reviewing resumes and cover letters; 3) helping students find jobs and internships; 4) interview preparation; and 5) demonstrating resources provided by the O’Brien Center for Career Development. The fellow will be trained on these topics as well as academic majors and the college’s general education curriculum so they have an understanding of areas of study and coursework.
This position also works in conjunction with the academic advising team to support students holistically and determine internships, careers, or professional development opportunities that may be a good fit for students. They will also work with the O’Brien Center for Career Development by assisting with their on-campus events as needed.
The Fellow does not need to have prior knowledge or experience with career advising, but simply a desire to gain hands-on experience in advising and take an active role in working with students."
Position Responsibilities
- Provide individual and small group advising sessions on career exploration, major selection, and personal development.
- Facilitate career assessments and use exploration tools to help students understand their values, interests, strengths and career options.
- Assist students with resume and cover letter writing, networking, LinkedIn, internship and job searches, interview preparation, and other career-related needs.
- Lead career workshops on topics such as resume writing, personal branding, networking and LinkedIn, internship/job search strategies, collaborating with faculty when needed.
- Assist in tracking students’ experiential learning activities through an online platform.
- Work closely with full-time advisors to support programming and outreach initiatives.
- Track student engagement and provide targeted outreach to students.
- Participate in departmental meetings, professional development workshops, and events as appropriate/as schedule allows.
- Take initiative on self-directed projects based on personal interests and professional goals.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Position Requirements
- Interest in student advising, career development, and relationship building.
- Ability to adapt to change, problem-solve, and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills; excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to lead by example and act as a mentor.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and remain non-judgmental when addressing student problems and concerns.
- Flexibility and ability to multitask in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Research Fellow - Merrimack College - Provost
Location: North Andover, MA
Job Description
Our research lab is currently conducting a study evaluating risk-taking behavior in preschool-aged children (2 to 5 years of age). There are two separate arms to this study. In the first arm of this study, our research team is visiting local preschool-classrooms to collect objective measures of risk-taking behavior from children while they are in school. The children's legal caregivers and primary classroom teachers are also asked to complete questionnaire-based assessments of each child's behavior. In the second arm of this study, children (accompanied by their caregiver) are invited to our lab on-campus to complete the same objective measures of risk-taking behavior while the child wears EEG to record brain activity. The caregiver is also asked to complete the same questionnaire-based assessments of the child's behavior.Research fellow will be involved in all aspects of the research process including IRB management, participant recruitment and scheduling, data collection, entry, and analysis, and dissemination of research findings in written and oral formats. Unique training opportunities offered through this fellowship include (i) prospects of collecting data in local schools to facilitate experiential, community-based learning and scientific outreach, (ii) training in the application and analysis of EEG, and (iii) opportunities for independent projects stemming from a growing dataset.
Position Responsibilities
- Lab meeting organization (maintaining a schedule and agenda, note-taking)
- Participant recruitment (scheduling varies; requires calling/emailing local preschools, scheduling meetings, advertising in-lab studies on social media platforms)
- Material preparation (scheduling is flexible; requires that hard copies of materials be printed, labeled, and organized into folders)
- Data collection (scheduling varies but primarily occurs during the preschool school day and occasionally over the weekend; in-person in local preschool classrooms or in our research lab on campus)
- Data entry (scheduling is flexible, although data cannot leave research lab on campus)
- Data analysis (scheduling is flexible pending students' comfort using statistical software independently)
- Writing contributions such as literature reviews, proofreading, formatting (scheduling is flexible although due dates will be set to meet deadlines)
Position Requirements
The applicant should have (i) experience and interest in working with preschool-aged children (2-5 years of age), (ii) availability to work consistent hours during the week (primarily school hours) and occasional hours over the weekend, and (iii) passion for working in a team-based setting with undergraduate students. A reliable car and a clean driving/criminal record are preferred by not required.Enrollment Service Concierge - Merrimack College - Provost
Location: North Andover, MA
Job Description
The Enrollment Service Concierge Fellow will be involved with all aspects of Mack, the College’s chatbot-driven text-messaging platform. The Enrollment Service Concierge will work directly with the AVP for Program Development and Retention and partner with staff from a variety of Enrollment and Retention student services offices such as Undergraduate Admission, Academic Success Center, Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid and Student Affairs.Through artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time one-to-one support, Mack connects prospective and current undergraduate students, their families and the Merrimack community with information in order to be successful here. We utilize Mack for communication and customer service, toward continued efforts to meet students where they are and provide concierge support.
The Enrollment Services Concierge should have strong writing skills, as a significant portion of their work will be the ongoing oversight of Mack’s Knowledge Base and 1300+ Understandings/answers. The Concierge will also write interactive text campaigns and work with databases to assure text campaigns are friendly, personalized and drive enrollment and retention. There are many opportunities to practice goal setting and assessment, and any background that the Concierge brings with them will be utilized.
This position is an introduction to admissions work too, as graduate fellows will spend 1 day/week in the Welcome Center greeting visitors, presenting 20-minute information sessions, interviewing prospective students, and assisting with events.
The Enrollment Service Concierge position is 75% virtual and 25% in-person. There are unlimited opportunities for gaining a wealth of knowledge about the College as well as collaborating with campus partners. The Concierge does not need previous knowledge about admissions or Merrimack or any technology experience, but should be eager to quickly learn and proficiently utilize web-based tools.
Position Responsibilities
- Monitor Mack conversations and provide assistance, information and motivation via text.
- Provide exceptional customer service through information and facilitating relationships with the institution throughout the admission process – inquiry through matriculation.
- Add and edit AI understandings/answers and prepare text campaigns.
- Front desk administrative responsibilities including greeting visitors, distributing materials and answering questions.
- Present 1-2 information sessions each week and interview prospective college students.
- Other responsibilities as required.
Position Requirements
- Administrative and customer service experience, preferably in a higher education and/or other service-oriented setting.
- Self-starter with excellent organizational skills.
- Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
- Public speaking.
Graduate Residence Director - Merrimack College - Presidential
Location: North Andover, MA
Job Description
The Graduate Resident Director (GRD) reports directly to the Area Coordinator (AC) in their assigned area. The GRD will co-supervise a Resident Advisor (RA) staff. In conjunction with their supervisor, they are responsible for the overall administration and daily operation of the assigned area. In addition, the successful candidate will be required to live in on-campus housing provided by the Office of Residence Life. Estimated percentage of work that involves in-person contact with students: 75%GRDs are placed in a specific residential area on campus based on their skills and the needs of the department. On campus housing is provided to GRDs. The style of housing varies between residential areas, but all GRDs have a single bedroom to themselves and access to a private bathroom. GRDs are provided a full meal plan during the academic year while the dining hall is open.
This position would begin in July.
Position Responsibilities
- Be available and visible to the residential population, and engage residents on a regular basis.
- Supervise the RA staff in conjunction with the AC.
- Serve as part of the on-call duty rotation; GRDs are considered emergency personnel during campus emergencies and are expected to be available to work outside regularly-scheduled hours during campus emergencies.
- Conduct regular facilities walks and report maintenance issues.
- Contribute to Residence Life processes including: opening, closings, RA Training, RA Selection, and Housing Selection.
- Support students through interpersonal conflicts through mediations, room changes, and CARE.
- Serve as part of a Residence Life Committee (such as RA Training, RA Selection, Professional Staff Selection, Housing Selection).
- Lead critical RA training sessions based on experiences and interests.
- Attend weekly professional and RA staff meetings and July professional staff training.
- Develop, track, and assess RA programming as well as RA duty schedules.
- Assist in the Office of Residence Life Programming.
- Serve as an administrative hearing officer for cases of student conduct violations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
- Availability to begin working in July
- Strong organizational skills
- Student-centered philosophy
- Superior communication skills
Office of Sponsored Programs; Research Protection & Compliance Fellow - Merrimack College - Provost
Location: North Andover, MA
Job Description
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) supports and advances the College’s mission by providing leadership and expertise in grant administration and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. OSP administers all federal, state, for-profit, nonprofit, and private foundations for faculty-led proposal submissions and awards involving research, education, community service, or other sponsored activities. The graduate Fellow will work with the Senior Associate Vice President, Research Administration and Foundation Relations, Grant Fund Accountant, Director of Foundation Relations, and Senior Research Administrator, and Director of Research Protection and Compliance to fulfill their roles and responsibilities.Position Responsibilities
- Institutional Review Board (IRB)
- Complete CITI IRB Board Training
- Assist with preparation for IRB convened meetings.
- Participate in convened meetings, assist with minutes.
- Serve as a preliminary analyst for project proposals to assist with proposal routing.
- Become familiar with and assist with the Cayuse Human Ethics Platform (Electronic IRB dashboard).
- Assist with CITI training administrative duties.
- Complete CITI training course reviews and provide proposals for new modules to be delivered at Merrimack College.
- Create IRB training modules and provide in-person training presentations.
- Become familiar with the REDCap platform, learn tasks associated with REDCap administrator role.
- Assist REDCap Administrator with project development.
- Create REDCap training modules and provide in-person training presentations.
- Assist Director of Research Compliance in ensuring that the College is complying with all applicable regulations and policies regarding financial conflict of interest (FCOI), responsible conduct of research (RCR), and research misconduct.
- Ensure protocols and approvals for regulatory compliance are kept current throughout the life of the project.
- Create informational tools and training resources as it pertains to compliance requirements for specific agencies and organizations (National Institute of Health, Department of Health and Human Services).
- Review and assist with drafting new research-related policies for Merrimack College.
- Collaborate with OSP staff in order to assist with the submission of proposals, letters of intent, pre-proposals, and white papers on behalf of the College. Provide information as it pertains to human subject research and the IRB during this process.
- Review and provide updates on current information regarding any changes to policies, practices, and regulations.
- Assist in the development of training materials and participate in training events (with potential to lead their own training presentation).
- Complete review and demo potential research-related software and applications.
- Support faculty and staff with information needed during the entire grant lifecycle, beginning with funding opportunities through grant closeout.
- Assist in updating the OSP Website.
- Assist in the development of newsletters, reports, and OSP broadcast announcements.
Position Requirements
- Previous experience with research and grants preferred but not required
- Interested in pursuing a career in research administration, higher education, community engagement, or public administration and affairs
- Hybrid format
- Interest in research / research administration
Service Learning Coordinator - Merrimack College - Presidential
Location: North Andover, MA
Job Description
The Graduate fellow in the Stevens Service Learning Center works with the staff on all aspects of the service learning program. The student will experience life in an office with much student traffic and will interact with students, faculty, administrators and community partners. The fellow will be responsible for placing service learning students into placement sites, helping to develop relationships with community partners and faculty instructors, and evaluating service learning students at the end of each semester. This position offers a variety of opportunities for a graduate student who is interested in academic/student life/community partnerships and other forms of civic & community engagement activities. These opportunities will be tailored to the needs of the student’s program.Position Responsibilities
Help to coordinate the service learning placements for specific courses:- Place students in their site
- Implement an orientation program for service learning students
- Develop relationships with community site coordinators
- Monitor student progress at their service locations
- Assist as needed with the Austin Scholars Program and/or Lawrence Math & Science Partnership
- Engage students with reflection and assessment
- Meet with students on a 1-1 basis as needed
- Create and facilitate reflection workshops that align with students’ coursework and service experiences
- Opportunities to create other programs based on goals of fellow
Engage community partners in the service learning program at Merrimack College
- Communicate regularly with partners
- Create a partnership handbook
- Organize an end of year recognition event for community partners and students
- Assist in evaluation and assessment of partnerships
- Create new partnerships (if interested)
General Office Duties:
- Assist in other office projects (for example – McKniff Ceremony, Mack Gives Back, Open House, Admitted Student Days)
- Participate in end of semester assessments and reporting
- Day-to-day office maintenance (including updating web page and other social media)
- Update and coordinate transportation schedules as needed
Position Requirements
- Strong communication skills
- A high level of energy, flexibility, and the ability to work both independently and as a team
- Some basic computer skills (Excel, Google Suites) would be a plus
- Past experience working with students (Service learning, Residence Life, Leadership programs) would also be helpful but not a requirement
- The fellow would be given training about the service learning program and would work with a professional staff member at the beginning of the year to learn the nature of the job but would be expected
Speech, Language & Learning Program Development Fellow - Merrimack College - Provost
Location: North Andover, MA
Job Description
The Merrimack College Speech, Language & Learning (SLL) Program Development Fellow will work with Rachel Aghara, PhD, CCC-SLP and others involved in the development of academic, clinical, community outreach and professional development opportunities for speech-language pathologists and related professions. The SLL Program Development Fellow will support the development and completion of documentation, programs and events to strengthen the undergraduate SLL offerings and prepare for graduate program accreditation. The SLL Program Development Fellow will earn valuable experience in higher education program development, marketing, community engagement, and student support by interacting with current and prospective students, Merrimack College faculty and staff and community professionals.Position Responsibilities
- Create and deliver a “welcome” and “thank you” letter writing campaign so that students currently in the SLL program can welcome prospective future students and thank our community clinical supervisors for their service.
- Collaborate with MINTS staff to create training opportunities for speech-language pathologists and related professionals.
- Support the Merrimack Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association.
- Develop a collaboration between the SLL program and Academic Success Center and/or Writing Center.
- Create and maintain databases of community partners for clinical supervision and academic training.
- Take the initiative to identify a need in the new program and develop a project that will fill the need.
- Develop information and training for Merrimack College Admissions, Professional Studies program, and others to support and promote the SLL program.
- Develop informational materials for prospective students.
- Develop a list of individual student funding opportunities and a program to support students as they apply for individual funding.
- Plan weekly meetings with fellowship supervisor.
- Support the SLL program before and during conferences, trainings, and meetings.
Position Requirements
Interest in working with students and professionals; flexibility with weekly schedules.College Mentor - Change is Simple - Presidential
Location: Beverly, MA
Job Description
Change is Simple stands at the forefront of environmental education, championing the profound impact even our smallest daily choices can have on our planet. From what we eat to the products we use, every action ripples through the world. We're sowing the seeds of a sustainable tomorrow through our dynamic STEAM program for elementary schools, meticulously aligned with Common Core Standards. Starting with kindergarteners and extending through middle school, our engaging hands-on learning experiences build a rich tapestry of knowledge about our environment. This progression allows students to see firsthand how their actions interact and shape the world around them, setting a foundation for a lifelong commitment to sustainability.Our workplace is a vibrant hub of creativity and passion, where each day promises new, exhilarating, and personally fulfilling experiences. As a Mentor, you'll have the chance to engage in a wide range of activities, from constructing a towering wind turbine in a classroom one day to evaluating grant applications the next. Mentors actively contribute to various dimensions of our mission, spanning from social media and marketing to in-depth sustainability research. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in crafting lessons and materials that will leave a lasting impact on thousands of students.
What truly sets this job apart is its exceptional character and potential for personal and professional growth. At Change is Simple, we consider our Mentors integral to our team's success. Regardless of your area of study, we wholeheartedly encourage exploration across all facets of our organization, encompassing science, education, marketing, and business. Here, your unique skills and passions will not only be embraced but also nurtured, and you'll have the opportunity to gain invaluable insights from our seasoned staff.
Our responsibilities take us to schools year-round, including the summer months, with occasional half-days back at the office. This is a full-time, in-person position, providing a dynamic and immersive experience.
Location: 100 Cummings Center 227Q, Beverly, MA, (45-minute drive North of Boston)
Hours:
Monday - Friday
In Office: 10:00am-3:00pm
In Schools: 8am-2:30pm (start time varies depending on the school)
Position Responsibilities
- Deliver engaging, hands-on programs to students across different grade levels and learning environments.
- Mentor children in small groups during lessons.
- Take on leadership roles in delivering lessons.
- Contribute fresh and innovative ideas to our curriculum and programs.
- Participate in fundraising activities.
- Collaborate on team projects.
- Maintain and improve lesson materials.
- Assist with transporting materials weighing up to 40 lbs in and out of classrooms and schools.
Position Requirements
- Coursework in related fields: Sciences, Engineering, Education, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Political Science, Business, Marketing, Public Relations.
- Proficiency with Google Suite (Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.)
- Willingness and aptitude for learning applications such as Canva, Monday, and Squarespace.
- Previous experience working with children is a plus.
Program Coordinator - Serving Stars - Presidential
Location: Lawrence, MA
Job Description
Serving Stars is a non-profit organization that provides a welcoming and safe space for young people in Lawrence to explore and achieve their academic, athletic, and personal goals. Through a combination of engaging tennis activities, comprehensive health and wellness training, and educational enrichment, Serving Stars aims to help each child reach their full potential.The Program Coordinator collaborates with the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors to effectively plan, organize, and oversee various aspects of Serving Stars. This role includes responsibilities such as building and maintaining partnerships within the community, managing volunteer involvement, and overseeing enrichment programs. All efforts are aimed at fulfilling the organization’s mission.
This is a hybrid position (the fellow will complete roughly 50% of their work at the Host Site.)
Position Responsibilities
Develop Enrichment Programming- Research organizations and people who can partner with Serving Stars to deliver engaging lessons to our student-athletes beyond tennis.
- Implement new curriculum as both a lead teacher in the classroom and through training staff and volunteers.
- Maintain data of students and families for program communication and data collection.
Recruit, grow, and coordinate a team of volunteers
- Find ways to recruit and expand the volunteer base by connecting with individuals, schools, and organizations that are willing to be a part of the day-to-day execution of programming.
- Coordinate a schedule for the volunteers so each session/event is staffed appropriately.
Position Requirements
- Educational background preferred and elementary/middle school experience a plus.
- Bi-lingual or knowledge of Spanish language is a bonus!
Neighbors In Need Fellow - Neighbors In Need - Presidential
Location: Lawrence, MA
Job Description
The Merrimack College Fellow is a soup-to-nuts position, allowing the Fellow a variety of experiences in a non-profit setting. And will be tailored to the individual student, the student’s major and the organizational need. It could include: supporting the Diaper Pantry/Diaper Bank programs, providing staff support for the Soup’s On! Fundraising Dinner and Auction, Social Media/Marketing communications, and coordinating volunteers throughout our agency.Position Responsibilities
- Social Media, Marketing and Outreach
- Initiate email-based marketing communications using Bloomerang donor/volunteer database, to assist various Neighbors In Need fundraising and volunteer campaigns.
- Support and/or create a presence for NIN on various social networking platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.
- Assist with Annual Meeting and Annual Fundraiser collateral material including possible video, slide shows, etc.
- Volunteer Coordination & Recognition
- Recruit & schedule individual volunteers for warehouse, diaper pantry, food pantries and deliveries – up to 50 volunteers each week.
- Regular volunteer communication to new volunteers making sure applications are complete, and instructions are provided prior to volunteer experience.
- Manage Bloomerang volunteer platform for scheduling.
- Coordinate with volunteer groups (i.e. churches, scouts, schools) to assist in the Warehouse and food pantries.
- Possible onsite presence for volunteer-related activities.
- Coordinate annual volunteer recognition event(s).
- Soup’s On Staffing
- Provide staff support to committee planning event.
- Solicit silent auction item donations.
- Recruit and engage volunteers in mailings and day of the event.
- Track and record auction items in Google Doc spreadsheet and auction software.
- Assist with basketing, signage and other collateral support.
- Diaper Pantry/Bank
- Support the Infant Program by actively engaging client families, client service and referrals.
- Assist with client and donor tracking procedures, including distribution of formula, diapers and infant clothing.
- Food/Diaper Deliveries
- Route deliveries of food or diapers using a variety of Google spreadsheets and mapping tools.
- Communicate to delivery clients and delivery volunteers to ensure smooth delivery coordination.
Position Requirements
- Proficiency at using Microsoft Word, and Excel, as well as Google Documents and Sheets.
- Knowledge of various social networking platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
- Some evening and late afternoon hours.
- Must have own transportation - some local travel required (Greater Lawrence – mostly Lawrence and Andover).
- Must demonstrate an interest in food distribution, hunger issues, health, and nutrition, hospitality and/or community service.
Community Engagement Fellowship Process
How To Apply
- Click the “Apply Now” button below or go to gps.merrimack.edu/apply to begin or resume your graduate application.
- Within your app, select “Yes” for “Are you applying to a fellowship?”
- Submit your application. Be sure to complete the required Fellowship essay.
- Receive your admission decision. If admitted to the master’s program, you’ll receive further instructions about the fellowship process.
Important Information for the Community Engagement Fellowship Program
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis!
Priority Fellowship Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Initial Rankings Form Available: February 5, 2025
Initial Rankings Deadline: February 14, 2025
Fellowship Interviews: March 3-6, 2025
Post-Interview Rankings Deadline: March 7, 2025
Match Decisions: Late March 2025
First Day of Fellowship Training: August 2025
Duration of Fellowship Placement: August 2025 to late May 2026
We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible for your best chance at a preferred placement. Applications will be accepted until all fellowship positions have been filled.
The process is as follows:
- Submit your online application. Be sure to indicate your fellowship interest within your application.
- Submit your initial ranking form. Students who are accepted for admission and invited to interview for a fellowship will be eligible to review and rank their preferred positions. If you are invited, your invitation will include a deadline for submitting your selections. Please note: we do not guarantee that you will be invited to interview for your top selections.
- Complete your site interviews. Speak directly with site representatives to learn more about the position and responsibilities.
- Submit your post-interview rankings. After the interviews, both students and sites must complete and submit their post-interview ranking forms, ranking their preferences for final placement.
- Receive your match notification. Match letters will be sent to all students and supervisors.
Please note:
- Participation in the fellowship placement process does not guarantee a fellowship. Sites will independently decide which candidates to invite for interviews. Please note that interviews are not guaranteed with your selected sites.
- Deposits are due five business days after matches are sent to students.
- As a two year program, the fellowship scholarship is only awarded and applied for the first year of the program. During your first year, you will not be eligible for any other discounts or scholarships. Graduate fellows will be automatically eligible for a Dean scholarship in the second year of the program.
- If you are admitted into the traditional program but not offered a fellowship, you will automatically be considered for a Dean scholarship.
- If you are originally awarded a scholarship and then are given a fellowship placement, you will no longer receive the merit scholarship. The fellowship will replace any other discounts.
Questions? All interested students should email Callie Wallace in Graduate Admissions for further information.
Dean and Alumni Scholarships
Dean and Alumni Scholarships are available to students who are not receiving a fellowship. No additional application is needed.
