Knapp Fellowship for Entrepreneurial Service-Learning

Steven and Diane Robinson Knapp established the Knapp Fellowship for Entrepreneurial Service-Learning at The George Washington University to recognize, reward, and facilitate creative public service and academic engagement. Selected undergraduate or graduate students design and implement entrepreneurial service-learning projects that make a significant difference in the lives of others. Selected Knapp Fellows work with the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service and a faculty member advisor to implement projects in collaboration with other students and/or community partners. Fellowship projects are conducted over the course of an academic year (beginning in summer or fall to no later than June 30th of the following year). One or more Knapp Fellowship awards, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are distributed annually.

Knapp Fellowship projects should integrate scholarly work in the student’s discipline with the design and implementation of the service project. Projects should also involve collaboration with a local community organization or community members, and be heavily informed by their knowledge and experience. These projects are substantial and rely on Fellows having prior experience working with their community partner and/or the social issue. Knapp Fellows also receive professional development opportunities, preparing them to work with community partners and/or faculty members who are subject experts. Additionally, faculty advisors may receive funding for their role as advisors to selected Fellow(s).

Deadlines and Dates to Remember

GW undergraduate and graduate students, working individually or in teams, are encouraged to apply.

• Step 1: Contact Wendy Wagner for an initial advising meeting at [email protected]
• Step 2: Submit a proposal by Friday, May 24th, 2024
• Step 3: Finalists are contacted and prepare presentations to a review panel
• Step 4: Selected Knapp Fellows implement their scholarly work and community project in the 2024/2025 academic year

Applicant and Eligibility Selection

GW undergraduate or graduate students are eligible, and must be enrolled at GW for the full academic year in which they would be a Fellow. Eligible proposals may include partnerships with non-profit or government organizations (federal, state, or local).

Selection for the Knapp Fellowship is a multi-stage process. Applicants submit an initial written proposal for review. Applicants may be selected to advance to a second round of review, which requires a 10-minute presentation of their project for a review panel. Detailed instructions for the presentation are issued upon notice that applicants are being considered for the second review.

Criteria for Selection
• Quality of proposed project (should constitute a substantial, feasible, and innovative contribution to the issue being addressed or program being enhanced)
• Evidence that the proposed project addresses a critical need or socioeconomic disparity and involves participation from relevant community partner organizations or community leaders
• Knowledge base, through study and experience, needed to address social issues or programs identified in the proposal
• Evidence of ability to oversee a large-scale project and complete a scholarly work of substance and quality

Learn more about the Knapp Fellowship at the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service webpage.