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University of San Diego's Kroc School of Peace Studies Launches HBCU Changemaker Fellowship


By Kevin Dobyns

Students holding hands in the Kroc School rotunda to make a peace sign

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego is proud to announce the launch of the Kroc School HBCU Changemaker Fellowship. The aim of the Fellowship is to cultivate a new generation of leaders deeply committed to driving innovative solutions to help shape more peaceful and just societies. 

The Fellowship program is designed for seniors and recent graduates from HBCUs, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This unique opportunity provides two recipients with a fully funded scholarship for the Kroc School of Peace Studies' M.A. in Social Innovation (MASI) program, including tuition and on-campus housing. 

The MASI program equips and empowers students to advance as social entrepreneurs and social intrapreneurs. Through experiential learning opportunities, including field-based practicums, students learn from entrepreneurship, social innovation, peacebuilding, design thinking and business experts. This degree is to be completed in one academic year.

Gail F. Baker, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost at the University of San Diego and Interim Dean at the Kroc School, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, "The Kroc School HBCU Changemaker Fellowship aligns with our institution's core values of inclusivity, social justice, and academic excellence. By opening doors to students from HBCUs, we are fostering a more diverse and vibrant community of peacebuilders who will address the complex challenges facing our global society."

Key Highlights of the Kroc School HBCU Changemaker Fellowship Program:

Full Financial Support

The Kroc School HBCU Changemaker Fellowship Program offers comprehensive financial support that includes tuition and housing expenses––a total value of $60,000. 

Community Engagement & Programming

Fellows in this program have the unique opportunity to actively engage with the vibrant and diverse community on and off campus. 

Career and Professional Development

The Kroc School HBCU Changemaker Fellowship Program places a strong emphasis on preparing its students for successful careers and leadership roles in their chosen fields. The program offers specialized career development resources, including mentorship opportunities, professional development workshops, and access to the university's Career Services Center. 

Pitch Competition and Seed Funding

As a part of the Kroc School HBCU Changemaker Fellowship Program, fellows are given a unique opportunity to participate in The Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge. This challenge invites participants to develop innovative solutions to pressing global issues and present their ideas in a competitive pitch format. 

Access to a Global USD Alumni Network

One of the most valuable aspects of the Kroc School HBCU Changemaker Fellowship Program is the opportunity to become part of the extensive USD alumni network. By joining this network, fellows gain access to a diverse and influential group of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields worldwide. 

Applications for the Kroc School HBCU Fellowship are now open, with a deadline of January 19, 2024. Interested candidates can find more information and apply at sandiego.edu/peace/hbcu

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Social Innovation (MASI) program at sandiego.edu/peace/masi

About the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies:

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies (Kroc School) at the University of San Diego is the global hub for peacebuilding and social innovation. Founded in 2007, the Kroc School equips the next generation of innovative changemakers to shape more peaceful and just societies. We offer master's degrees in peace and justice, social innovation, humanitarian action, conflict management and resolution, and a dual degree in peace and law — programs that have attracted diverse and dynamic students from more than 50 countries.

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