Humanities in Action
The University of Illinois Humanities in Action program provides support for undergraduate humanities students who are interested in pursuing community engagement opportunities within the Champaign-Urbana community.
The Humanities Research Institute (HRI), with support from We CU Community Engaged Scholars, offers this semester-long community-engagement program for humanities students at the University of Illinois. After selection, the School of Social Work's Community Learning Lab connects students to local community organizations, and students will work with their community partner to design a meaningful service project that addresses an area of community need. Students will then spend the spring semester learning to apply their humanities training in new ways.
Humanities in Action is intended to help remove some of the financial barriers that prevent humanities students from taking advantage of community-engagement opportunities. Selected students will receive $1000 to support their participation in the program, contingent upon meeting all program expectations. They will connect with like-minded peers and participate in professional development workshops. Participants will also become acquainted with HRI and the opportunities available to students studying the humanities at the undergraduate level. At the culmination of the program, participants will learn how to communicate this experience in resumes and job applications.
Information Session
Join us for an info session on Thursday, October 1 at 5:30 p.m. to learn more about the program and receive insight into the application process. The in-person event will be held at Levis Faculty Center, Room 422 (Levis is at 919 W. Illinois St., Urbana—across from ISR). Please register to attend
Program Expectations
Students should be mindful of the following requirements and expectations when submitting their applications. Each scholar is expected to engage with their community partner 4 hours a week over 15 weeks during the spring 2027 semester. Students also must be available to attend cohort meetings and individual meetings with an HRI / We CU representative throughout the semester. Scholars should also plan to attend the HRI and We CU spring receptions.
Humanities in Action Scholars are expected to prioritize their service projects and program meetings over other extracurricular opportunities and commitments. We will work with students who need accommodations, and we will help students define the parameters of their projects. However, this program centers community-defined priorities, and students should expect to accommodate the changing needs of their host organizations.
Application Requirements
Please note that all required items will be uploaded or typed into the application form (first link below). Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on October 16, 2026.
- Application form
- Academic history or unofficial transcript
- Statements:
- How has your humanities education shaped your understanding of your community and the world around you? (500 words)
- What do you hope to learn from working with a community organization (300 words)
- Describe a time you worked with others to address a problem or complete a project. How did you prioritize responsibilities and manage your time? How will you draw on this experience as a Humanities in Action Scholar? (300 words)
- Describe a time you managed multiple deadlines and commitments successfully. How did you prioritize your responsibilities, and how will you draw on this experience as a Humanities in Action Scholar? (300 words)
- Optional: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (500 words.)
Eligibility and Preference
Undergraduate humanities majors and minors at the University of Illinois are eligible to apply. Students must be enrolled in spring 2027 and be in good academic standing (2.00 cumulative GPA). Students who have completed the program previously are welcome to apply, but preference is given to new applicants. Applicants should make certain that their obligations do not prevent them from participating fully in HIA program activities next spring.
Application Process
Applications are due October 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Finalists will be invited to participate in an informal, 15-minute interview in late October.
Contact
Please contact Lázaro Garcia Angulo at log3@illinois.edu for more information.