Kenneth Cole Community Engagement Program

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS TO THE 2012 KENNETH COLE FELLOWSHIP HAS NOW PASSED. Please refer  back to this page for information on applying to the 2013 fellowship experience. 

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Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, in partnership with fashion designer Kenneth Cole, present the Kenneth Cole Community Engagement Program. This exciting initiative serves to inspire and empower the next generation of community leaders, introducing a talented, dedicated and diverse group of Columbia undergraduates to the challenges and opportunities for community building in contemporary urban America.

Through this innovative program, undergraduate students have the opportunity to gain academic as well as practical experience and insight in becoming community leaders and effective agents of change. Students selected for this program, named Kenneth Cole Fellows, hone competencies in several areas that form the basis of effective community leadership such as community partnering, community understanding, information sharing, leadership and initiative. Fellows have the opportunity to see firsthand the critical role that collaboration plays in the resolution of important community issues.

A strong foundation in these principles prepares Fellows for team-based summer internship projects within community organizations, local businesses, and not-for-profit and for-profit entities in the public and private sector. The Fellows work with community partners to address critical local problems, encourage social action, build community capacity, and seek to launch and implement effective initiatives that strengthen communities and promote social change.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

The Kenneth Cole Community Engagement Program consists of three interlocking elements:

Spring Colloquium and Program Series The program begins in the spring semester, when Fellows meet for a required bi-weekly colloquium entitled “Topics in Community Engagement.” This one-credit colloquium features prominent guest speakers, workshops, and readings focused on community engagement and problem-solving. The colloquium is designed to strengthen Fellows’ knowledge of urban issues, build their community engagement skills and prepare them for their summer internship. In addition to the colloquium, The Kenneth Cole Program sponsors lectures, workshops, and other events related to community engagement throughout the academic year, including the Kenneth Cole Forum in October, where Fellows make presentations on their previous summer experiences.

Summer Living-Learning Experience The program culminates in a summer internship in which Fellows work in teams at community organizations, focusing on specific, community-based projects. Fellows receive a stipend for these internships and work approximately 30 hours per week on their projects, with regular input from professors as well as staff from the Division of Student Affairs, the Center for Career Education, Columbia College, and Columbia Engineering. All Fellows complete a short report and presentation at the conclusion of their fellowships, which include presenting meaningful and constructive solutions to the various stakeholders.

Additionally, during this time the Fellows live together in a University residence hall provided for by the program. As a complement to their community projects, they meet weekly to discuss their projects and continue to learn about community engagement and problem-solving. For students receiving financial aid, their summer work contribution will be waived if accepted into this program.

Academic Program Students are required to complete a two-course academic program to qualify for a Fellowship. One course must be completed before the spring semester, and the second course before the summer internship. Courses can be drawn from a variety of disciplines, but they must directly address issues of community building and engagement. The following courses can be used to complete the academic component of the Fellowship:

*We know there are many additional courses that address issues germane to civic engagement, therefore students may ask permission for alternate courses to be approved for inclusion in the program requirements by contacting:

• College students: Roosevelt Montas (rm63@columbia.edu)
• Engineering students: Leora Brovman (lb2258@columbia.edu).

NB. You should have at least one course completed by the end of the Fall 2011 semester.  The second course will need to be completed by the close of the Spring 2012 semester.  Please make sure to work with your academic advisor to ensure that your selection of courses fit into your overall academic plan.

For more information about the program, please email Todd Smith-Bergollo, Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

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About Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole is chairman and chief creative officer of Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., which designs, sources, and markets a broad range of footwear, handbags, apparel, and accessories. Mr. Cole is also the chairman of amfAR, the largest not-for-profit AIDS research foundation; a founding board member of HELP USA, the leading national provider of housing and jobs for the homeless; and a longstanding board member of the Sundance Institute.