• Center for Civic Leadership

    The Civic Leadership Scholars Program provides selected students a variety of mentored, cocurricular experiences that deepen their knowledge of civic engagement and leadership. Any student with a passion for civic engagement and leadership may apply—regardless of major.

  • Apply Now

    Applications due before:

    5:00 PM Friday, April 18th, 2025.

  • What is the Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas?

    The Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas is an initiative that seeks to cultivate young people’s commitment to, understanding of, and connection with civic engagement and leadership in Arkansas. Housed at Hendrix College, but benefiting the state of Arkansas broadly, the Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas includes students from all majors and professional trajectories. It is a unique cohort-based program that develops students’ civic engagement and leadership skills in a community of people with an interest in public service. Because vibrant communities require civic investment, engagement, and leadership across all people, the Center for Civic Leadership emphasizes diverse participation and programming.

  • What is the Civic Leadership Scholars Program?

    The Civic Leadership Scholars Program provides selected students a variety of mentored, cocurricular experiences that deepen their knowledge of civic engagement and leadership. Any student with a passion for civic engagement and leadership may apply—regardless of major.

    The application process for each cohort takes place in the spring of the freshman year, giving Scholars three full years to enjoy the program’s offerings before graduation. The first cohort will be chosen in the spring of 2025, with new cohorts selected each spring.

    Civic Leadership Scholars gain an added layer of distinction in civic engagement and leadership that enriches their perspectives and lives—as well as attracting the notice of future employers and graduate and professional schools.

  • Benefits

    • Study-Project Allowance Funds in the amount of $5,000 to be used for approved public service experiences in civic engagement and leadership
    • Structured ways to pursue deeper study of civic engagement and leadership beyond the classroom
    • Specialized courses on civic engagement and leadership taught by visiting Professors of the Practice
    • Opportunities for in-depth exchanges with Distinguished Visitors in civic engagement and leadership. Chosen by the CCL, Distinguished Visitors will include scholars, elected officials, advocates, policy experts, thought leaders, community leaders, and public figures.
    • Distinction upon graduation
    • Belonging to a community of scholars and practitioners—including fellowship, professional preparation, personal development, and the synergy that comes from the collective investigation of civic engagement, leadership, and scholarship

  • Requirements

    • Participate actively in Hendrix’s community of civic engagement and leadership by attending the monthly Civic Leadership Scholars meetings and supporting Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas events
    • Complete a course taught by a Professor of the Practice
    • Complete three cocurricular experiences in civic engagement or leadership (many of which are activities Scholars may already be involved in and may count for Odyssey credit).

  • Outcomes

    Civic Leadership scholars will receive intensive mentorship in their civic engagement and leadership-related explorations. They will nurture their civic identity and commitment through projects and exercises in community organizing, social change work, dialogue within and across community contexts, field work, and charitable efforts and by launching cross-disciplinary ventures across these fields. In special courses taught by public service practitioners, Scholars will hone their social analysis, negotiation and communication skills, leadership skills, and intellectual framework for civic engagement. Off campus and on, they will gain valuable professional experience that will set them apart when applying for graduate school, professional school, and jobs.

  • Meet Dr. Gail Choate

    Dr. Gail Choate is a researcher, educator, activist, and civic engagement advocate. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Studies: Culture, Society, and Politics from Florida Atlantic University, specializing in political behavior, grassroots organizing, and civic engagement. Her research includes fieldwork in Florida, Georgia, and Arkansas, focusing on gubernatorial contests, emerging political actors, and community-driven activism.

    As Founder and Executive Director of the non-partisan Arkansas Civic Action Network (ArkCAN), Dr. Choate leads efforts to foster civic literacy and participation. She collaborates with community organizations, advocacy groups, government entities, and diverse communities to empower Arkansans to actively engage with political systems. She also facilitates workshops with voters, candidates, elected officials, and grassroots organizers, emphasizing accessible and inclusive civic education.

    At Hendrix College, Dr. Choate brings her expertise in political participation and social impact to help students critically engage with civic life and develop the skills to advocate for meaningful change.

    Dr Gail Choate - Headshot Large