Introducing the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative, A Brand-New Program Pairing Students with the Community Coming Fall 2026
Today, we are ecstatic to announce the kickoff of the Wagner Family Civic ImpactÌýInitiative pilot program, launching in Fall 2026 with a cohort of six outstanding students.Ìý
Designed to empower students to become catalysts for positive change, this immersive program bridges academic theory and civic action. This program supportsÌýhighly motivated students to address complex civic challenges through community-informed projects.ÌýStudents are equipped to bridge leadership theory with practice,ÌýutilizingÌýtheir unique skills and interests to create sustainable, valuable projects that bring lasting impact to communities.Ìý
Over the past spring and summer, our team conducted extensive benchmarking research, met with programming partners across Ä¢¹½Ó°Òô Boulder and the Denver-metro higher-education community, and established a campus-wide working group of directors to ensure this program delivers deep, mutual value to both Ä¢¹½Ó°Òô Boulder and our broader community.Ìý
Interested in learning more about the donation that made this program possible? Read more here.Ìý
Program OverviewÌý
Ethical, mutually beneficial civic engagement is at the heart of the Wagner Initiative. To uplift community voices, we invited community partners to identify priority needs within their organizations. Students then will co-create and collaborate directly with these partners to ideate, propose, and implement innovative, sustainable solutions together. What makes this program special is that studentsÌýbring their unique perspectives, creativity, and innovation to address these priorities.Ìý
Throughout the year, student scholars will receive dedicated resources to ensure their success — including funding, mentorship, and hands-on leadership practice. By partnering with local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses, students gain real-world experience while delivering meaningful results to the Boulder community.ÌýÌý
The program will run from the beginning of Fall to the end of the Spring semester.Ìý
Program Objectives: The goal of this program is to…Ìý |
GuideÌýstudents through developing an asset-based solution to a community-raised priorityÌý |
CultivateÌýcivic awareness and help students develop an ethical civic engagement mindsetÌý |
Coach leadership skills and frameworks to address real, community-identified prioritiesÌý |
Guide students in developingÌýand deliveringÌýa formal proposal, implementation plan, monthly progress reports, and a final presentationÌý |
StrengthenÌýrelationships between Ä¢¹½Ó°Òô Boulder and the Boulder communityÌý |
Student Outcomes:ÌýAt the end of thisÌýprogram, students will be able to…Ìý | Community Partner Outcomes:ÌýAt the end of thisÌýprogram,Ìýcommunity partnersÌýwillÌýhaveÌýreceived…ÌýÌý |
BuildÌýtheirÌýconfidence in articulating career and leadership goals while strengthening communication, networking, and interpersonal skillsÌý | Highly motivated students guided byÌýÄ¢¹½Ó°Òô Boulder academics,Ìýadvisors,Ìýand the Center for Leadership focused on building aÌýthoughtfulÌýproject toÌýaddressÌýa community-raised priorityÌý |
Develop practical leadership and project management skills through hands-on ideation, critical thinking, and project implementationÌý | Participation in mentoring the next generation of leaders and opportunities to identify potential future employees  Ìý |
DeepenÌýtheirÌýsense of belonging and contribution within the Boulder community through direct partnerships with local organizationsÌý | A relationship with Ä¢¹½Ó°Òô Boulder that could result in other partnerships  Ìý |
Foster a commitment to ethical community involvement and responsible civic leadershipÌý | Funding potential for theÌýstudent’s work andÌýproject through the Center for Leadership Ìý |
ÌýWho is eligible toÌýparticipateÌýin the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative?Ìý
Students:ÌýThe prerequisite to apply to this program is the Center for Leadership’s Newton Fellowship Program. Ideal candidatesÌýare those who wantÌýto lead sustainable, collaborativeÌýprojects that create civic impact in the Bouder Community.ÌýÌý
Community Partners:ÌýLocal government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses interested in hosting a scholar, partnering on a project, and serving as a co-educator are encouraged to connect with us.ÌýÌý
2026-2027 Wagner Civic Impact Initiative CohortÌý
We are proud to partner with exceptional local organizations for our inaugural year, including:Ìý
The Sundance Film Festival, Ä¢¹½Ó°Òô Boulder’s collaborative Sustainability InitiativeÌýÌý
Boulder Farmer’s MarketsÌý
City of Boulder, Climate Initiatives and Communications and Engagement DepartmentsÌý
City of Boulder, Parks and RecreationÌý
Boulder Police DepartmentÌýÌý
Calvin Hawks
Majors: Computer Science and Creative Design & TechnologyÌý
LeadershipProgram: Engineering Leadership Program
Marissa Khan
Major: Integrated Design Engineering with a Mechanical EmphasisÌý
Minor: Multicultural Leadership Studies
LeadershipProgram: Multicultural Leadership Studies
Jaka Jacklin
Majors: Astrophysics & Creative Technology and Design
Minor: Leadership Studies Minor
LeadershipProgram: Leadership Studies Minor
Michel Jarjour
Major: Neuroscience
Minors: Spanish, Sports Media, and Biochemistry
LeadershipProgram: Ä¢¹½Ó°Òô GOLD
Yasmin Mohamud
Major: Political Science
Minor: Business
LeadershipProgram: Student Academic Success Center (SASC)
Hyma Jujjuru
Major: Computer Science
Minors: Business and Mathematics
LeadershipProgram: Engineering Leadership Program
Happy Phatak
Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology
Minors: Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology, Business, and Leadership
LeadershipProgram: Leadership Studies Minor
Ìý
What’s Next?Ìý
This fall, our inaugural cohort will match with their partner organizations to begin project ideation and plan finalization. Final project deliverables and outcomes will be presented at the Center for Leadership’sÌýSpring Leadership Summit (date to be announced).Ìý
Interested in Learning More or Partnering?Ìý
For questionsÌýregardingÌýthe Wagner Family Civic ImpactÌýInitiative, please contact theÌýProgram Coordinator for Civic Impact, Chloe Nicklas, at chloe.nicklas@colorado.edu.Ìý