Arcus Social Justice Corps (ASJC) Fellowship

The fellowship was established with the goal that Arcus Fellows graduate with little or no debt, giving fellows the freedom to pursue careers that make a big difference in society. Arcus Fellows commit to working in social impact careers for at least three years after earning their degrees. By working in nonprofits, NGOs, higher education, or government agencies — or by creating their very own forms of new radical practice — Arcus Fellows move the needle on essential social change. The Arcus Fellowship experience includes mentoring from social justice practitioners, internship opportunities, career-planning support, opportunities to incubate new ideas, and community-building events.

The fellowship is open to domestic applicants applying to any of CED’s master’s programs, including concurrent degree programs. Support is offered each year for the duration of the degree program. 

*Note: Students enrolled in MArch, MS Arch, MAAD, MCP, MLA, and MUD programs receive the basic needs stipend. Students enrolled in MRED+D and MDES are not eligible for the basic needs stipend.

Arcus Fellows receive mentorship and attend lectures from practitioners, faculty, and community members. As an Arcus Fellow, you’ll:

Fellows make a three-year pledge to social justice work after graduation. ASJC’s definition of a social justice career is open-ended — it can be in the public or private sector, as long as it benefits an underserved community. Unlike other programs that require a finite definition, we leave this definition up to applicants. ASJC asks you to define what social justice work means to you, and how you hope to perform it in your future career.

Our fellowship program draws on the leadership and expertise of faculty from across our college. A key aspect of this fellowship is its ability to unite all environmental design disciplines, ensuring a truly interdisciplinary experience. The ASJC faculty committee includes: 

Linked by their shared commitment to social justice, Arcus Fellows come together for special opportunities and events throughout the year. Talks from social justice practitioners who provide insight into what social impact work looks like in action are a highlight of the program every semester. 

Some past and future speakers include:

In past years, Arcus fellows have secured a wide array of jobs and internships. Whether they work at local or federal government jobs, non-profits or NGO’s, private firms or have begun their own enterprises, Fellows commit to weaving social and environmental concepts into their chosen work. Jobs and internships pursued by our fellows and alums include:

We seek to attract students with the most potential to make direct and transformational social change in the world through planning, research, and design. Arcus Fellows are selected by a committee that includes faculty, staff, and alums who are practitioners in social justice fields.

Arcus Fellowships are open to domestic applicants who are applying to any CED master’s program by that program’s fall deadline. You may apply to the Arcus Social Justice Corps if you are a U.S. citizen, a student with a permanent residence, and a student with DACA or refugee status. We do not accept applications from international candidates at this time.

The Arcus Social Justice Corps Fellowship is funded through a generous gift from Jon Stryker.