Sponsored by Campus Compact, the Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes student leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to civic engagement and public leadership. Through service, research and advocacy, Fellows work to create positive long-term impact while deepening their understanding of themselves, their communities, and the systems that drive lasting social change.
Each year, Texas State University has the privilege of nominating one student to represent our institution on a national level through the Newman Civic Fellowship. Sponsored through Campus Compact, is a year-long fellowship that recognizes and supports community-committed students who showcase the potential for public leadership and creating long-term social change, take action in addressing issues of political polarization, and demonstrate the motivation and potential for long-term civic engagement.
Throughout the fellowship term, students are provided with opportunities that nurture their assets and help them develop strategies for making positive change in their communities, including creating a network of Fellows who can support one another in creating lasting impact. Other opportunities and unique benefits include the following:
- Virtual learning events focused on skill development and professional learning
- One-on-one leadership development with a campus mentor of the Fellow's choice
- Special, exclusive scholarship or grant opportunities
- Opportunities to present and publish work or research through Campus Compact
- An in-person conference covered by Leadership & Service, the Annual Convening of Fellows
Eligibility
Fellows are nominated by the president or chancellor based on their potential for public leadership and their work with communities. Nominees must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student. Preference given to undergraduate students.
- Have at least one academic year remaining
- Commit to participating fully in fellowship activities through Campus Compact
Students graduating before the end of the fellowship term can not be considered or hold the role.
Meet our 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellow!
Eduardo Almanza
“Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly to support our family and community despite limited resources. My civic leadership is defined by my parents’ example and my own experiences. Navigating the college admissions process as a first-generation student revealed a deeper issue: opportunities often exist, but access to them does not always reach everyone equally. As an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives, this idea was solidified when I heard stories from communities nationwide facing the same issues. Now I am in a place where I can help others. As the founder of a college preparation non-profit project, I focus on supporting education for all, proving that anyone can succeed with the right guidance. My efforts to close the resource inequity gap in rural communities have shown me tangible outcomes from service are possible. I believe civic leadership is not about a title; it is about using your experience to build the systems that lead the next generation to even greater success. Whether it be finding resources that already exist or creating new ones to fit the needs of a community, I hope to continue evening the playing field so everyone has the chance for a brighter future.”
- Eduardo Almanza