Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development

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.