About CIVIC Scholars

The CIVIC Scholars Program was founded in 2013 as a collaborative initiative between the CIVIC Leadership Institute and Old Dominion University. Our mission is to foster a spirit of civic engagement, professionalism, and leadership in college students of Hampton Roads and connecting them to established business and community leaders, in order to build a community of leaders who are excellently prepared for their careers and a life of civic engagement.

CIVIC Scholars seeks to teach its members about issues that Hampton Roads and other communities face and challenges them to think critically about possible solutions to these problems. Throughout the academic year, our Scholars participate in program sessions, volunteer opportunities, and a group project. Scholars of Junior standing and above are connected with a mentor who is a proven business or community leader. Additionally, ODU CIVIC Scholars are invited to attend two annual events hosted by the CIVIC Leadership Institute: the Darden Awards and Founders’ Luncheon.

The program is available to students attending Old Dominion University and the Norfolk and Chesapeake campuses of Tidewater Community College. The applications process is now closed for the Class of 2018. We are accepting nominations for the class of 2019 and the application will be available in early 2018

Past Programming

Our curriculum consist of a diverse combination of topics focusing on everything from current social issues to professionalism to civic engagement to challenges in the Hampton Roads area. Recent programming topics have included:

• The Power of Networking
• Environmentally Friendly
• The Non-Profit Impact
• Mental Health and stigma
• Your Financial Need-to-Knows
• Lobbying and Advocacy
• Art as a Civic Engagement
• Discussing Race