The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State is recruiting undergraduate leaders for the 2026–2027 Ball State Democracy Fellows Program.
Democracy Fellows are student leaders who help power Cardinals Vote!, Ball State’s nationally recognized, nonpartisan campus initiative affiliated with the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. In the 2026 election cycle, Fellows will help students navigate democratic participation with integrity, through peer leadership, practical civic learning, and campus-wide engagement.
What you’ll do as a Democracy Fellow
- Help students access reliable voter and election information, deadlines, and participation pathways for the primaries and general election.
- Help design campus experiences that are student led. Help plan civic events, forums, and engagement nights supported through CECL resources.
- Contribute to community-based learning and service learning projects that link civic character to real-world practice.
As a Democracy Fellow, you can expect:
- Support for student-led civic projects. Fellows can propose or help lead student-designed initiatives and receive funding and support for materials and execution.
- Civic trips and in-state experiences. C4G supports community-based learning projects that can include organized visits and travel within Indiana aligned with program goals.
- Select professional development opportunities. Some Fellows may be supported to participate in civic learning conferences or convenings connected to CECL/C4G work.
Who should apply? We welcome students from all majors. Education, business, the arts, the sciences, and so forth.
Respecting your time: Designed with real student schedules in mind, this fellowship offers meaningful engagement without overwhelming your academic commitments. Expectations are clearly outlined, roles carry purpose, and participation is flexible. You can expect a modest commitment of 2–4 hours per month at most, serving on a volunteer basis.
Apply Here - Democracy Fellows Application
Faculty: please share this opportunity with your students.
Deadline: March 1st, 2026
Questions: Contact Dr. David J. Roof, djroof@bsu.edu