Engaged Learning Fellowship

Unleash your potential with the Engaged Learning Fellowship (ELF)! SMU's most prestigious undergraduate engagement program lets you take the reins on an impactful capstone project. Whether you’re pursuing cutting-edge research, launching community initiatives, or exploring creative projects, ELF provides the support to steer your ideas to success.  

Benefits of the Engaged Learning Fellowship

• Funding: up to $2500 to pursue your project
• Recognition: your project title is recorded in your transcript and listed in the commencement booklet. ELFs are regularly profiled on SMU social media and news releases
• Support: expert coaching from faculty mentors and Office of Engaged Learning staff
• Development: opportunities to network, gain skills, and share your work with the public
• Graduation: your project may be eligible to fulfill CC Proficiencies

Who are the ELFs?

Our Fellows are SMU undergraduate students pursuing all types of projects, from short films to biochemistry experiments. Each year, we admit approximately 25-30 students to this exclusive program.

 Meet the Fellows

Apply to the ELF

Applications are reviewed during the following time periods. Applications received after these deadlines will be considered for the following cycle.

• Fall Decision Deadline: SEP 15*
• Early Decision Deadline: DEC 15
• Regular Decision Deadline: FEB 15
• Summer Decision Deadline: April 15

*For seniors graduating in May, September 15th is your final deadline.

ELFs are selected by a review committee of SMU faculty and staff. Fellows and their faculty mentors are notified approximately one month after the deadline. See How to Apply for further guidelines.

How to Apply

Fellowship requirements

• Attend 1 orientation session
• Attend 1 midpoint meeting each term until graduating
• Attend at least 3 Office of Engaged Learning events or workshops
• Present their work in a public setting
• Submit a final product (e.g., a research paper or a film with accompanying essay)