The Madison Community Scholars (MCS) program aims to enhance the capacity of local community organizations while strengthening the leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills of JMU students. 

MCS students facilitate projects and collaborate with community partners to address community-identified needs.

Since 2014, 2-3 students each year have benefited from this opportunity through scholarships. In addition, approximately 60 students participate annually through Federal Work Study funds. 

1. Do you have a 2.0 GPA and receive a Federal Work Study award as part of your financial aid package? Or are you a recipient of a Bryd, Thomas, or George Scholarship? 
2. Are you interested in engaging with the local community while enhancing your education? 
3. Can you commit to working 6-8 hours per week for at least one semester, preferably one year? 
4. Do you enjoy being part of a passionate team of campus and community leaders? Can you attend orientation and regularly scheduled workshops focused on gaining personal and professional skills and social impact? 

 If you answered yes to these questions, then MCS is right for you! 

To participate through a Federal Work Study award: 

• Apply for financial aid by June 30.

To participate through a Byrd, Thomas, or George Scholarship: 

• Complete a scholarship application by April 1 via the Madison Scholarship Hub. 

All applicants will then:

• Complete an application on PageUp (review begins no later than June 15), which must include an electronic copy of your financial aid offer stating FWS eligibility. (Note: Positions have “off-campus” in the title and CEVC listed as the department.)  
• Complete a satisfactory interview with CEVC staff. 
• Be matched with an organization based on compatibility of skills, interests, availability, and transportation options (i.e., walking, personal vehicle, bike, and/or bus).

After you accept an offer from CEVC and Student Employment approves it, you will: 

1. Attend an on-campus orientation (typically the first Friday of classes) to review expectations and plan with your community supervisor. 
2. Complete all student employment paperwork (provided at orientation). 
3. Receive an email from CEVC staff connecting you and your supervisor.   
4. Join the Canvas course. 
    

MCS students are expected to: 

1. Work with your community supervisor to determine a mutually agreed upon schedule, averaging 6 to 8 hours of work per week. 
2. Fully participate in weekly workshops with other MCS students to gain personal and professional skills, learn about social impact, and make community engagement and leadership a priority.  Returning students will participate bi-weekly.  
3. Communicate regularly with your site-supervisor and CEVC program coordinator. 
4. Utilize TimeClock Plus to log hours worked by the deadlines specified in Canvas (Note: This is for Federal Work Study award recipients only). 

MCS students are matched with a local non-profit, public school, or local government agency according to your skills, interests, availability, transportation options, and the goals of each community organization. 

MCS students who receive a Federal Work Study award as part of their financial aid package are paid hourly. This will include all orientation and training sessions, workshops, and on-site hours. Students are paid twice a month based on the hours submitted on the time sheet two weeks prior to the pay day. 

MCS students who are recipients of the Bryd, Thomas, or George Scholarship award will receive funds at the beginning of each semester via MyMadison.