Working in the Community

Community Engagement Fellows work hand-in-hand with their partner organizations to make a deep and powerful impact in the communities in which they serve.

Are You Ready to Make a Real Impact?

At Merrimack, we’re passionate about community change and social justice. Our M.Ed. in Community Engagement will help you gain a deeper understanding of civic engagement in the nonprofit sector, including trends, theoretical models and best practices. This program focuses on diversity and social justice, community development and organizational change.

This versatile degree provides professional preparation for careers in areas such as fundraising, community relations, volunteer management, diversity training, and leadership in schools, colleges and community organizations.

Important Dates and Deadlines for the 2024-2025 Community Engagement Fellowship Program

Fellowship Application Deadline (Rolling): February 15, 2024 

Supervisor Application Due: March 8, 2024

Fellowship Ranking Open: March 18, 2024

Student Rankings Due: March 25, 2024

Interview Day Schedule Released: April 4, 2024

Interview Day: April 11, 2024

First Day of Fellowship Training: August 12, 2024

Courses Begin: Late August 2024 (Fall I)

Duration of Fellowship Placement: August 26, 2024 to late June 2025

We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible for your best chance at a preferred placement. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all fellowship positions have been filled.

Community Engagement Fellowship

Our highly sought-after fellowships offer you unparalleled professional experiences and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve significantly reduced the cost of your graduate degree. With the guidance of experienced site-based supervisors and program faculty, you’ll have the support you need to excel in your field placement and in your graduate studies. 

How It Works

  • Earn your 36-credit M.Ed. in Community Engagement tuition free.
  • One-year fellows will complete a nine-month field-based experience in a partner school, college, or community-based organization, serving 25 hours a week at your placement site, while taking graduate courses in the summer and on afternoons and evenings throughout the academic year.
  • Two-year fellows will complete a 21-month field-based experience in a partner school, college, or community-based organization, serving 10 hours a week at your placement site, while taking graduate courses in the summer and on afternoons and evenings throughout the academic year.
  • Community Engagement fellowships are available in three modalities: in-person, hybrid, and remote.

Available Fellowship Positions

The below list of positions is representative of what fellowships are available, but may not be up-to-date. Please view the Community Engagement Fellowship Positions document for the most current information and a full description of each position.

  • A Better Chance (ABC) of Andover, MA: Communications & Engagement Coordinator 

  • Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation (ABCDC): Community Engagement Fellow 

  • Beyond Benign: Community Engagement Fellow, GCTLC 

  • BioBus New England (2 positions available): Community Needs Assessment Fellows

  • Boston Partners in Education: Community Engagement Fellow
  • Friends of the Hernández School: Communications and Development Fellow
  • Kids in Tech: Tech Club Fellows 
  • MakeIT Haverhill: Program Coordinator
  • Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF): Student Network Fellow
  • Merrimack College (4 positions available):
  • Neighbors in Need: Community Engagement Fellow
  • North Shore Community College: Service Learning Fellow
  • North Shore Community Development Coalition (3 positions available):
    • Community Building Fellow 
    • Economic Development Fellow 
    • YouthBuild Community Engagement Fellow 
  • Partnership for Financial Equity: Financial Equity Research Associate
  • Princeton University – Program for Community-Engaged Scholarship (ProCES): Communications Fellow
  • Serving Stars – National Junior Tennis & Learning Program: Program Coordinator
  • United World College of the American West (UWC-USA): Community Engagement Coordinator
  • WinnCompanies – Connected Communities: Community Engagement Fellow

Who Are Our Fellows?

For prospective fellows, the Community Engagement Fellowship Program is intended to provide a new experience that will expand your professional network, knowledge skills, and experience. Similarly, for prospective sites, the Community Engagement Fellowship Program provides the opportunity to benefit from the excitement, ideas and perspective of someone who is new to your organization.

Are You Interested in Hosting a Fellow?

For local organizations committed to the professional development of your staff, we have an organizational cohort model through which you may cover the Community Engagement Program’s tuition for six or more of your staff at a reduced rate. Learn more about hosting a Community Engagement Fellow at your site on our site information page.

Dean and Alumni Scholarships

Dean and Alumni Scholarships are available to students who are not receiving a fellowship. No additional application is needed.

Send Me Info

Here’s how to get more information about Merrimack College’s Master of Education Degree in Community Engagement.

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