SNF Ithaca Student Leaders
The student leaders program is an opportunity for five University of Delaware undergraduate students to gain expertise and experience within the interdisciplinary topics of civil discourse and civic engagement within our mediated public life.
Civil discourse, or the practice of respectful dialogue and understanding across differences, is a foundational element of democratic societies and institutions and is a precursor to effective citizenship and community engagement. SNF Ithaca Student Leaders will spend a full year immersing themselves in the theory and practice of civil discourse and civic engagement, establishing a knowledge base and skillset to become active and effective citizens in a democracy.
Each year, a cohort of exceptional undergraduate students from across the University serve as SNF Ithaca Student Leaders for the academic year. During the year, students receive a financial award and participate in the following activities:
- Weekly meetings with SNF Ithaca leadership and collaborators
- Design and collectively lead the SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue each fall
- Host the Delaware Dialogues for Future Leaders in collaboration with the Delaware Center for Civics Education in the Institute for Public Administration (IPA) at the Biden School
- Participate in varied programming, including special events and learning opportunities
Following this year-long experience, SNF Ithaca Student Leaders participate in a paid summer internship with a government agency, non-profit organization, or another civic institution of their choice for an applied learning experience.
In recognition of the work involved, students receive an $8,000 award — $4,000 to be awarded during the academic year and a $4,000 practicum stipend to be awarded during the summer internship.
Applications are due March 31, 2025. If you are interested in applying or have questions about the SNF Ithaca Student Leader program, please contact the SNF Ithaca office at snfithaca@udel.edu.
student leader cohorts
April Anthony, senior wildlife ecology and conservation major with a minor in public policy
Naomi Maria, junior honors public policy major
Faiza Saeedi
junior public policy major with minors in women and gender studies and anthropology
Morgan Goettel, junior public policy and psychology double major
Isaac O’Neal, junior honors economics and public policy double major
The 2023–2024 cohort of SNF student leaders included:
- Simon Brand
- Jenna DeMaio
- Amelia English
- Sathiya Kannon
- Caleb Mathis
