Scholars devote one summer to social justice—the idea that we should recognize the inherent dignity of each person—to gain an understanding of the social ramifications of their actions and the actions of others. Our Program is committed to the University of Notre Dame’s mission of cultivating “a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice.”

To this end, Scholars contribute to communities in need during the summer after their first year of study. Each Scholar designs his or her experience after identifying a global issue or problem that he or she wishes to understand better. Then, over the summer, Scholars work with community-based service organizations, either in the United States or abroad. This opportunity enables Scholars to apply the insights and skills acquired in the classroom to address global problems in a tangible way.