Become a Catalyst for Change
The Catalyst Fellowship Program is your invitation to explore history, grow as a leader, and make a lasting impact in your community. This yearlong, all expenses paid journey is designed for sophomore and junior college students who believe in the power of storytelling, justice, and action.
Become a Catalyst for Change
- Dates: September 2025 – August 2026
- Location: Charlotte (in-person and virtual)
Six Charlotte leaders embarked on a transformative journey through Alabama’s Civil Rights landmarks, walking in footsteps of the 1965 Selma marchers and exploring The Legacy Museum’s examination of 400 years of racial history. Now it’s your turn!
Why Apply?
As a Catalyst Fellow, you’ll:
- Deepen your understanding of history and its influence on today’s world
- Develop your leadership voice through identity exploration, dialogue, and mentorship
- Design and implement a community-based project that reflects your passions and values
- Travel to Montgomery, Alabama for a powerful visit to the Legacy Museum from Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 1
- Join a community of changemakers across five partner institutions
- Gain skills, connections, and experiences that extend far beyond the program—preparing you to lead with empathy, think critically, and act intentionally
What to Expect
The fellowship runs from September 2025 to August 2026 and is structured in four transformative phases:
- Foundations (Fall 2025): Virtual orientation, historical context, guided reading, and cohort building.
- Immersive Learning (Winter 2026): Trip to the Legacy Museum, guest seminars, and community-building workshops.
- Leadership & Action (Spring 2026): Leadership training and development of your personal or group Catalyst Project.
- Implementation & Impact (Summer 2026): Launch your project, document your journey, and share your story at our Culminating Showcase.
- $1000 stipend.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for two students each from:
Central Piedmont Community College, Davidson College, Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University, and UNC Charlotte. Ideal candidates are passionate about history, justice, and social entrepreneurship, and are eager to grow personally and professionally.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: July 7, 2025
- Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
- Interview Window: September 1 – 10, 2025
- Notifications Sent: September 15, 2025
Before submitting your electronic application, please review the full application requirements below. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Val Brown at vbrown@museumofthenewsouth.org.
The Catalyst
Fellowship Application
