Tisch Scholars

The Tisch Citizenship and Public Service Scholars are a group of selected Tufts students who work to encourage community building, forge relationships with our community based on service, educate others on the importance of active citizenship, and incorporate public service into our lifestyle. All Scholars have a project that engages one of Tufts four host communities of Somerville, Medford, Mystic, and/or Chinatown. Before becoming a scholar, students must take and pass a class through the Tisch College called Education for Active CItizenship.

They are doing a range of work in Somerville currently. This includes everything from after school tutoring at local high schools, budgeting and tax advice to immigrant communities, and examining and solving environmental issues throughout the city. The goal is to look for different non profits or NGOs who need a little extra help in achieving their mission, and give them a Scholar is passionate about the same type of work.

The impact made is goal based. Every scholar is not only looking to develop leadership, time management, and collaborative skills, but are also looking to enact real change in the community. The outcomes are always looked at educating groups of people and/or directly servicing and volunteering sects of individuals. In addition, the Scholar program looks to strengthen the bond and relationships between Tufts and the communities that are directly impacted by Tufts. This is the issue we just spoke about, whether we feel that we are part of the Somerville community or not. I know from my experience in this program I have developed a much stronger affection and bond with Somerville than almost all of my other friends.

Currently there about 50 total scholars in the program. At then end of every fall semester, recruitment begins for the next class. You must be either a freshman or sophomore who is not going abroad to apply, as it is at least a three year commitment. There is a formal application and interview process, and if allowed in to the program, a student must pass the E4AC class to become a Scholar.

This is a great model for other organizations to follow in the way that community relationships have been built and maintained throughout the years.