About
Details at a Glance
School Type
Public
Financial Aid Available
Yes
Degrees Offered
Our Program
Through coursework and field work, the Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) Fellows Program at Illinois State University enhances the skills of experienced students working to become the new generation of development specialists.
Each admitted Fellow receives a financial package including 100% tuition waiver plus graduate assistantship with stipend. Graduate students are responsible for student fees and other typical living costs.
Our distinctive program requires ACED Fellows to have at least one year of full-time experience in community development or social services or the equivalent (1,700 hours)—as either a paid professional or a volunteer—prior to starting classes. Service with AmeriCorps programs, Peace Corps, and comparable work experience counts towards this requirement.
While each student pursues a degree in anthropology, applied economics, political science, kinesiology and recreation, or sociology, exposure to all five perspectives is a significant part of the experience that we offer.
Fellows complete one calendar year of full-time coursework and 11 months of hands-on professional practice with communities or organizations across the country needing the skills and expertise our students possess.
Stevenson Center alumni go on to work in a wide variety of leadership roles in nonprofits and in local, state, and federal government. The combination of training, research, and hands-on experience positions our students to be uniquely competitive in the job market.
Admissions
Requirements
- Personal Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Unofficial Academic Transcripts (NOTE: GRE varies by degree program)
- Resume
- Sample of Academic Writing
- Letter of Service
- Graduate Assistantship Application
Additional Requirements
See our Admissions page for requirements.
Some applicants may qualify for an application fee waiver ($50). Email StevensonCenter@ilstu.edu for eligibility and instructions.
Application Deadline
The Stevenson Center offers fall semester admissions only. Applications open September 1 each year.
February 1: application deadline for both anthropology and kinesiology and recreation
March 1: application deadline for applied economics, political science, and sociology
Student Body
Total Students
25 Students
What Our Students Say
I was drawn to the Stevenson Center at ISU because of its interdisciplinary approach to development and its emphasis on community development and public service. I have gained the vocabulary, skills, and confidence needed to be successful in the work I want to do.
Ryan Arnold, Master's in Political Science ‘20Courses are taught through a very applied approach which helped me transition from my service experience to the classroom, and into the workforce.
Cecilia Montesdeoca, Master's in Anthropology ‘17I found the practical learning approach to be extremely helpful to my career. I gained an appreciation for how to unpack tough questions, and bring a more critical lens to research that can actually help change or influence conclusions.
Bunmi Akinnusotu, Master's in Sociology ‘07
I was drawn to the Stevenson Center at ISU because of its interdisciplinary approach to development and its emphasis on community development and public service. I have gained the vocabulary, skills, and confidence needed to be successful in the work I want to do.
Courses are taught through a very applied approach which helped me transition from my service experience to the classroom, and into the workforce.
I found the practical learning approach to be extremely helpful to my career. I gained an appreciation for how to unpack tough questions, and bring a more critical lens to research that can actually help change or influence conclusions.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Financial Aid Available
YesAverage Financial Aid Offer
$64,200
Additional Information
- Application Fee Waivers Available
Location & Contact
Phone
Email
