Brandeis University Admissions

What is an engaged citizen?

What is an engaged citizen? How can we use our talents to benefit our communities? What is the meaning of service? How can we build a more equitable future? How can we promote social justice in our day-to-day lives? 

The Community Engaged Scholars Program (CESP) connects our students’ longstanding commitment to community service directly to their studies. It will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to serve as ethical, respectful, and responsible agents of service and of social change in their local, national, and global communities.

Open to students in any major, the CESP builds connections between the curriculum and co-curriculum, creates a cohort of undergraduates committed to community service and civic engagement, and enables them to benefit from community-connected teaching, learning, and research. 

Perks of the Program

• Gaining hands-on experience with local community service organizations.
• Upon completion of the program, students will receive a notation on their transcript as recognition of their accomplishments.

Program Requirements

The program curriculum consists of two four-credit and one two-credit core courses, one four-credit elective course, and completion of 150 hours of community and civic engagement/advocacy and/or service.

How to Be Considered

No separate application is required. Simply answer "yes" to the question on your application to Brandeis asking if you'd like to be considered for a Scholars Program and select Community Engaged Scholars. Recipients are selected based on a holistic review of their academic accomplishments and demonstrated commitment to the serving their communities.