Fall 2026 Applications

Become a Community Connection Fellow

H.E.R.E. is for students entering helping professions who want a head start on building community connections, learning local resources, and serving alongside people already doing the work.

Applications close soon

Application deadline: August 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Decision emails released: September 3, 2026 Mandatory orientation: September 12, 2026
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Before you apply

Higher Education Resource Exchange, or H.E.R.E., is a cohort-based experiential learning program where students learn from community partners and give back through community-based service.

Students in the program are called Community Connection Fellows. Fellows meet local organizations, learn about community resources, participate in service, and build relationships with peers, partners, mentors, and facilitators.

Eligibility note: Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate in H.E.R.E.
H.E.R.E. is a head start on community connection. The goal is to help students better understand who is doing the work, where resources exist, and how people and organizations connect across the community.

Key dates

August 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Application deadline Applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for the Fall 2026 cohort.
September 3, 2026 Decision emails released Students will receive decision emails by September 3, 2026.
September 12, 2026 Mandatory orientation Accepted students must attend orientation to participate in the cohort.

Who should apply?

Students entering helping professions

This may include students interested in social work, education, counseling, public health, nonprofit work, advocacy, human services, peer support, or other community-serving fields.

Students willing to show up

H.E.R.E. works best for students who are curious, reliable, respectful, and willing to participate in both learning and service.

Students who want connection

Fellows build relationships with community partners, peers, mentors, sponsors, and people who can help them understand local systems more clearly.

What fellows do

Community Connection Fellows participate in both learning and service. Each part matters.

  • Attend learning sessions with community partners
  • Complete community-based service connected to the program
  • Participate in reflection and cohort discussion
  • Learn about local organizations, resources, and community needs
  • Build relationships with peers, partners, mentors, and facilitators
  • Practice reliability, communication, humility, and accountability

What fellows may gain

Fellows leave with a stronger understanding of the community around them, more people to learn from, and more places to turn when they are trying to connect someone with support.

They also become part of a cohort that can continue beyond the program itself.

Using H.E.R.E. for placement, service learning, or volunteer hours

Some students may hope to use H.E.R.E. toward a 48-hour placement, service learning requirement, volunteer requirement, or similar program expectation. Students are responsible for confirming whether H.E.R.E. meets the requirements of their course, program, instructor, department, or institution.

Students using H.E.R.E. for required hours should have a backup plan. Acceptance into the cohort is not guaranteed, and H.E.R.E. may not meet every course, placement, service learning, or volunteer requirement.

Program commitment

H.E.R.E. is a voluntary program, but it is still a commitment. Community partners are sharing their time, knowledge, and space with the cohort. Fellows are expected to treat that investment with respect.

Before applying, students should consider whether they are able to attend sessions, communicate when something changes, participate in reflection, and complete the service expectations connected to the cohort.

You do not need to be perfect. You do need to be willing to communicate, participate, and show up with care.

Ready to apply?

Applications are open for the Fall 2026 H.E.R.E. cohort.

The application will ask about your interests, availability, goals, and why you want to become a Community Connection Fellow.

Start the Application Ask a Question
Apply HERE