Civic Leadership Fellows Program (CLF): What is CLF?

Unsure about committing to the Fellows program and doing work similar to an internship? Not sure if it's better to just work part-time at a local store or restaurant? Read the articles below to get a better idea of the benefits of an internship program and see why the Civic Leadership Fellows program is the next best step for your personal and professional goals.

Civic Leadership Fellows are Miami Dade College (MDC) students that are paid $14 an hour to work at a community organization.

What are the specifics of the Civic Leadership Fellows program?

• Fellows work 10 to 25 hours with flexible scheduling
• Fellows work around the county at one of 20+ community organizations focused on education, public health, sustainability, social services, and more
• Fellows work in-person, remotely, or in hybrid settings depending on the position
• Fellows come from all majors and backgrounds, positions range from teaching & data analysis to marketing & community outreach
• Fellows participate in leadership and professional development activities led by iCED
• Fellows are paid $14 an hour through Federal Work-Study funding

Why have Civic Leadership Fellows?

Miami and Miami-Dade County have some of the lowest levels of volunteerism in the country, despite our community facing consistent problems that take people power to solve. Families are going hungry. COVID-19 has exposed public health inequities and distrust. Minorities, LGBTQ+ identifying people, and women continue to fight for justice and equality. Many hardworking Americans are seeking citizenship. The consequences of climate change threaten our livelihoods and way of life. We need leaders and professionals dedicated to combatting these problems in our community, state, country, and world. The Civic Leadership Fellows program intends to develop that next generation of leaders to tackle these issues and motivate more people in South Florida – especially other MDC students – to get involved.

What benefits do I gain from becoming a Civic Leadership Fellow?

Aside from the personal gratification of working for a cause you care about, Civic Leadership Fellows are paid $14 an hour while serving their community. This is uncommon as many similar programs or internships at non-profits or community organizations are unpaid. Fellows also participate in a wealth of leadership development training from the MDC Institute for Civic Engagement & Development (iCED) team and become part of a network of like-minded changemakers. For anyone interested in working in the public or non-profit sector, this is an excellent chance to build experience. For anyone interested in transferring to a four-year institution, this is also a great way to set you apart from other applicants and be prepared to make an impact at your new institution.

What are the requirements for becoming a Civic Leadership Fellow?

To be eligible for the Civic Leadership Fellows program, an MDC student must:

• Qualify for Financial Aid and receive Federal Work Study funds
• Be enrolled in at least 6 credits for the duration of the program
• Commit to working 10-25* hours a week at the organization for at least two semesters (preference will be given to those who can commit for multiple semesters)

*Number of hours per week will be determined by your Federal Work-Study allocation and your availability

When can I apply to become a Civic Leadership Fellow?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. APPLY NOW while positions are open!