The Nevins Fellows program allows students to complete internships at organizations that bring people together to solve common problems.
Students begin by taking a Democratic Leadership classthat introduces them to a different side of democracy—one that focuses not on campaigns and elections, but on bringing people together to work on common problems. Students learn about organizations doing this kind of work, and develop the skills necessary to facilitate conversations about community issues.
At the end of the course, students who are interested in completing a fellowship complete an application for a fellowship. McCourtney Institute staff select the 10 students who best demonstrate the skills and maturity necessary to meet the challenges of the fellowship program. Each student receives up to $5,000 to cover living expenses for an eight-week internship.
David Nevins
The Nevins Fellows program is supported by David Nevins, founder and president of Nevins Real Estate Management in State College. Nevins holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Penn State and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
He currently serves as President and Co-Director of the Bridge Alliance, a diverse coalition of more than 80 respected established organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.
Thanks to the financial support from Nevins, the McCourtney Institute is able to cover all costs associated with the fellowship up to $5,000. This includes travel to and from the sponsoring organization’s location, room and lodging.