Chiesman Center for Democracy at USD Announces New Higher Education Civic Engagement Award
This award aims to foster innovative solutions that make a measurable impact on communities while reinforcing the values of civic engagement, social good and local empowerment. Finalists will be invited to present their projects at the Chiesman Democracy conference and winning teams will receive an award of $500 per student.
Encouraging Action and Innovation
Unlike traditional service-learning projects, the Student Civic Engagement Award challenges students to go beyond top-down volunteerism and develop creative, tangible solutions to pressing civic issues. Teams will be expected to conceptualize and execute projects that result in deliverables such as events, legislative proposals, proclamations or service campaigns. Projects should be unique, impactful and community-focused.
Eligibility and Team Structure
To participate, students must be enrolled in a South Dakota Board of Regents institution of higher education. Teams must consist of two to five members, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration across various academic backgrounds and skill sets. At least one student in the team must be an undergraduate student. While students are encouraged to focus their projects on issues within the city that houses their university, broader topics with a statewide and/or local impact are also welcome.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on.
- Impact and Relevance – Addressing a significant civic issue with a meaningful community outcome.
- Innovation and Creativity – Originality in approach and execution.
- Feasibility and Execution – Practicality and implementation success.
- Collaboration and Teamwork – Effective teamwork and diverse skill application.
- Sustainability and Scalability – Potential for long-term impact and expansion.
- Presentation and Communication – Clarity and persuasiveness in submission materials.
Submission Guidelines
Teams must submit a project proposal of up to five pages that include.
- Cover Page – Project title, university name, student team members, a 200-word summary and a concise project goal.
- Project Description – Including the motivation, problem statement, proposed solution, methods, activities and expected outcomes.
- Team Overview – Roles and contributions of each team member.
- Visual Component – Evidence of supporting materials, such as photos, brochures or other creative elements.
Driving Civic Change
“The Student Civic Engagement Award is about empowering students to be problem-solvers and change-makers,” said Julia Hellwege, Ph.D., director of the Chiesman Center for Democracy. “By providing a platform for student leaders to create innovative, impactful projects, we aim to instill a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and community betterment.”
The Chiesman Center for Democracy invites students to embrace this opportunity to make a difference and showcase their ability to enact meaningful change and encourages them to view more information on submission deadlines and participation details.
About the Chiesman Center for Democracy
The Chiesman Center for Democracy, based at the University of South Dakota, is the leading institute for the promotion of civic engagement. It is dedicated to facilitating public dialogue, active civic engagement, and the promotion of civic values. Through research, programs, and partnerships, the Center aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to actively participate in democratic processes and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
Media Contact:
Julia Hellwege, Ph.D.
Director, Chiesman Center for Democracy
University of South Dakota
[email protected]
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