Humanities in Action

The University of Illinois Humanities in Action program provides support for up to five undergraduate humanities students (regardless of citizenship status) who are interested in pursuing community engagement opportunities within the Champaign-Urbana community.

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Group of past HIA scholars at a table at a reception, smiling. Text reads Humanities in Action.

We CU Community Engaged Scholars, with support from the Humanities Research Institute (HRI), offers this semester-long community engagement program for humanities students at the University of Illinois. During the spring 2025 semester, students selected to participate in the Humanities in Action program will learn to apply their humanities training in new ways while addressing a vital area of need in our Champaign-Urbana community.

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. They will connect with like-minded peers, participate in workshops, and have access to mini grants to offset costs associated with their service activities. Participants will also become acquainted with HRI and the opportunities available to students studying humanities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At the culmination of the program, participants will learn how to communicate this experience in resumes and job applications.

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Eligibility and preference

Undergraduate humanities majors and minors at the University of Illinois are eligible to apply. Students must be enrolled in Fall 2024 and be in good academic standing (2.00 cumulative GPA). Preference is given to students from underrepresented backgrounds, including, but not limited to:

  • Identifies with community(ies) of color
  • Identifies with LGBTQIA community
  • First-generation college student
  • Low-income
  • Parent of dependent children under the age of 18

Students who have completed the program previously are welcome to apply, but preference is given to new applicants.

Info Session

Want to learn more about the program and receive insight into the application process? Join us for an info session on Monday, September 30 at 4:00 p.m. This will be a hybrid event. The in-person event will be held at Siebel Center for Design, Room 1002. Register in advance if you plan to attend!

Application 

Applications are due Friday, October 11, 2024 11:59 p.m. Apply now!

We CU Humanities in Action web page