CPS administers the Public Service requirement of the undergraduate core curriculum and manages the Mellon Graduate Program for Engaged Scholarship. The guiding principle of the Center includes the belief that public service, rooted in an academic context while growing into other areas of service, contributes to the development of student civic engagement.

A collaborative partnership between the university and the community

Building student skills and abilities through intensive community-based work

Creating a bridge to different cultures and meaningful relationships

Independent Studies, Honors Thesis, Study Abroad and Transfer

Gain academic credit and leadership experience

Graduate certificate program in community-engaged scholarship
In addition to coursework, Mellon Graduate Fellows pursue projects in community-engaged scholarship. These projects resonate with graduate students’ personal and scholarly interests and are grounded in a sustained collaboration with a community partner. Graduate Fellows receive a stipend and can develop community engaged projects proposal with a budget for expenses such as compensation for community partners, additional mentors, travel, and supplies.
During the final semester of the two-year certificate program, graduate fellows work with their cohort to reflect upon, evaluate, and develop next steps for their community-engaged projects as part of a third one-hour course which culminates in the production of a portfolio and a public presentation during a student-planned symposium. Along the way students will also take three graduate courses designated as having a community engaged component.
Mellon Fellows receive $4000 stipends each year (in addition to any departmental stipends they may be receiving). Applicants must be students in participating graduate programs in Tulane’s School of Liberal Arts. Incoming MA and MFA students are eligible to apply as are incoming, first-, or second-year students in Ph.D. programs.