
The Community Partnership Project at the University of Missouri–St. Louis annually recruits students who are interested in pursuing future careers in community development and community building to participate in the Community Building Fellowship Program.
The Community Building Fellowship is designed to introduce a talented group of UMSL graduate students to the challenges and opportunities of working with community-based initiatives in the St. Louis region. Selected fellows will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and staff affiliated with the Community Partnership Project on a community-based initiative that is bringing residents and stakeholders together and addressing a priority issue or important public problems. Projects for 2010-2011 academic year include:
- A community health initiative developed in cooperation with the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, with a specific focus on expanding access to fresh foods and groceries within the neighborhood.
- A community building initiative developed in cooperation with partners in the Normandy area, with a specific focus on developing initiatives that build cooperation among residents and community stakeholders.
Selected Fellows receive a $2,500 award, along with access to an on-campus office and mentors as part of the community-building project. Fellows may also be able to use the community project as an internship or practicum experience for academic credit, depending on the guidelines of their academic department.
Selected fellows should be available to work on the community project an average of 7-10 hours weekly, including attending community meetings during the day and evenings, conducting community research and preparing reports, and meeting with faculty and staff. There are no set hours or schedules and a great deal of flexibility; however, the fellow will need to make every effort to be available for key community meetings. In addition to the community project, fellows are encouraged to attend monthly Community Partnership Project brown bag conversations and seminars that relate to the community project.
At least two graduate students will be selected during the Fall 2010 semester, with the possibility of two additional fellowships awarded in the Winter 2011 semester. Successful applicants must possess a minimum eligibility requirement of a 3.0 GPA in graduate and undergraduate studies, as well as an interest in working with community-based efforts that engage residents and organizations in creating positive local change. The application deadline is August 27th, with interviews conducted during the week of August 30th. Selected Fall semester Fellows should plan to begin their community projects on September 13th.
For more information, contact:
Kay Gasen, Director, Community Partnership Project
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or (314) 516-5269
To apply and for more information, download these two forms:
Katherine Etheridge is pursing a master’s degree in public policy administration at UMSL, with an anticipated graduation date of December, 2010. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with minors in international relations and Latin American studies. In addition to taking graduate courses, Etheridge works as a recruitment specialist for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. She is currently working with the Community Partnership Project team on the healthy communities initiative in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.

Charles Dustin Hayes is pursuing a master’s degree in sociology at UMSL, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2010. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a graduate certificate in paralegal studies. In addition to taking graduate courses, Hayes also serves as a graduate teaching assistant with the UMSL Department of Sociology. He is currently working with the Community Partnership Project team on the healthy communities initiative in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.
John Michael D'Agostino is pursuing a master's degree in public policy administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2010. John Mike holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Saint Louis University, with dual concentration in marketing and management. In addition to taking graduate courses, John Mike is completing an internship with the American Cancer Society and serves as a coach and volunteer with United Cerebral Palsy of Greater St. Louis. In January 2009 he will be working with the Community Partnership Project team on the healthy communities initiative in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.
Clifton Glore is pursuing a master's degree in sociology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2009. Clifton holds a bachelor's degree in education and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University, a master's degree in business administration from Webster University, and a master's degree in social work from Saint Louis University. In addition to taking graduate courses, Clifton serves as adjunct instructor at Webster University and St. Louis Community College. He is currently working with the Community Partnership Project team on the healthy communities initiative in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.
Ellen Reed is pursuing a master's degree in public policy administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2008. Ellen holds a bachelor's degree from Quincy College and has completed graduate certificates in Nonprofit Management and Leadership and Women's and Gender Studies at UMSL. In addition to taking graduate courses, Ellen is a graduate research assistant with the UMSL Public Policy Administration Program, chairs the Anti-Violence Advocacy Project, and serves as an independent consultant and trainer. She is currently working with the Community Partnership Project team on the healthy communities initiative in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.