Your Path to Social Change Starts Here

The Social Change Fellowship, a program of Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice (LDSJ), is for CUNY undergraduate students who want to learn how social change happens—and explore how they can be part of it.

Fellows begin by taking Social Change in U.S. History, a 3-credit course at The City College of New York in Spring 2027. Through the course, students explore the history and strategies of social movements in the United States, learn how organizers build collective power, and connect lessons from past movements to issues affecting communities today.

Students who complete the spring course will also be considered for a paid, full-time internship with a New York City social justice organization in Summer 2027.

2027 Program Details

Spring 2027

• Social Change in U.S. History, a 3-credit course at The City College of New York

• Classes meet in person twice a week

Summer 2027

• Students who complete the spring course will be considered for a paid internship at a New York City social justice organization

• 10 weeks, 32 hours per week

• $6,250 stipend

Fellows will also have access to LDSJ's growing alumni network of organizers and social impact leaders.

Please note: Participation in the spring course does not guarantee selection for a summer internship.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a current CUNY undergraduate student with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

• Be interested in at least one issue affecting people and communities, such as civil rights, environmental sustainability, workplace fairness, economic opportunity, public health, or reproductive freedom.

• Be interested in entering the social impact field professionally.

• Be able to complete Social Change in U.S. History at The City College of New York in Spring 2027.

• Be interested in learning and building community with other students.

• If selected for a summer internship, be able to commit to the full 10-week, 32-hour-per-week internship without competing employment or other commitments.

Students from all CUNY campuses are eligible to apply. Students outside CCNY will take the required course through the CUNY ePermit process.

Students are welcome to apply regardless of immigration status.

Attend an Information Session

Interested students are encouraged to attend an upcoming virtual information session to learn more and ask questions about the fellowship.