At the 2025 Community Engagement Fellowship Symposium on September 30, 17 Upper School students presented the social impact four-week projects they completed during the summer in partnership with community organizations. 

As the flagship RCDS Public Purpose program, the Community Engagement Fellowship gives students the opportunity to work alongside a nonprofit partner to propose, develop, and implement projects that meet the needs of local organizations dedicated to serving the greater good.

Community partnerships and academic exploration are at the heart of the fellowship. Fellows are guided by their commitment to the RCDS motto, "Not for Self, but for Service," and faculty mentors support them throughout the experience. The students also spend time before the summer begins engaging in a series of seminars focused on thoughtful community engagement, skill building, and a study of the factors that precipitate a need for their project.

The symposium, which featured three keynote speakers as well as poster presentations about each project, was an inspiring event showcasing each fellow’s deep dedication to Public Purpose.

Read more about the Community Engagement Fellowship Program and the fellows’ projects here.