Drake student Shameka Brown has been selected as a national Newman Civic Fellow for 2019–2020. She joins as one of 262 students from across the U.S. for next year’s cohort. 

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year fellowship for community-committed college students from Campus Compact member institutions. The fellowship honors the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education.

Shameka is a third year at Drake University, studying Sociology and African American/African Diaspora Studies. For the last few years, she has worked in the community and with nonprofit organizations to advocate and increase the efforts of educational opportunities for high school and college students. She is currently working with the Iowa Department of Human Rights and local community members to help provide educational resources and opportunities to help students of color succeed academically.

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. The fellowship also provides pathways to apply for scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

“We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them,” said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. “The stories of this year’s Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond. That is what Campus Compact is about, and it’s what our country and our world desperately need.”

Amanda Martin, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning