Civic Circle Fellowship

Overview

The Civic Circle Fellowship is a forward-thinking initiative proposed under the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University. This program is designed to elevate student engagement by connecting academic learning with real-world civic and professional experiences. A select cohort of 20 students will serve as ambassadors for the Center, supporting its mission while gaining access to exclusive opportunities, such as closed-door meetings with civic leaders (including Senior Leadership Fellows and public officials), high-level policy events, and curated networking experiences typically reserved for professionals in the field.

If you have any questions, email us at freedom@fiu.edu.

Deadline to apply: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Membership

The Civic Circle Fellowship shall be open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA, maintain a 3.0 semester GPA, and have no standing disciplinary action against them. If a Fellow fails to meet these requirements, membership will be revoked.

FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment decisions, programs, and events without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination, contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility at 305.348.2785 or email ocrca@fiu.edu.

The Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom does not tolerate any form of hazing.

To be considered for the Civic Circle Fellowship, applicants must complete a formal application, followed by two rounds of interviews: a group interview and an individual interview. Applications will be open from Monday, August 4, 2025, to Friday, August 22, 2025. 

The selection process is designed to evaluate each candidate’s character, skills, and potential to ensure alignment with the values and responsibilities expected of a Civic Circle Fellow.

Final selections will be made during a closed review meeting conducted by the Center’s Administration and Advisor. 

Once selected, Civic Circle Fellows are expected to fully participate in the program by attending all scheduled meetings, serving on assigned committees, and actively engaging in Center-hosted events. Fellows will receive a general calendar each semester outlining anticipated activities and responsibilities. Additional guidelines (including the code of conduct and performance expectations) will be formally communicated by the Center’s Administration upon acceptance to the program.

I. Requirements

The Civic Circle Fellowship shall be open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA, maintain a 3.0 semester GPA, and have no standing disciplinary action against them. If a Fellow fails to meet these requirements, membership will be revoked.

II. Non-Discrimination

No person shall be denied membership in this organization because of race, color, sex, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.

III. Anti-Hazing

The Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom does not tolerate any form of hazing.

IV. Initial Process

To be considered for the Civic Circle Fellowship, applicants must complete a formal application, followed by two rounds of interviews: a group interview and an individual interview. The specific opening and closing dates for the application cycle will be determined by the Center’s Administration with the Advisor. Interviews will take place within two weeks following the application deadline.

The selection process will be led by the Center’s Administration and the designated Advisor, with the goal of evaluating each candidate’s character, skills, and potential to ensure alignment with the values and responsibilities expected of a Civic Circle Fellow.

Final selections will be made during a closed review meeting conducted by the Center’s Administration and Advisor. Applications for the Civic Circle Fellowship will open during the Fall Semester.

V. Participation Requirements

Once selected, Civic Circle Fellows are expected to fully participate in the program by attending all scheduled meetings, serving on assigned committees, and actively engaging in Center-hosted events. Fellows will receive a general calendar each semester outlining anticipated activities and responsibilities. Additional guidelines—including the code of conduct and performance expectations—will be formally communicated by the Center’s Administration upon program approval.

APPLICATIONS OPEN AUGUST 4TH, 2025!

Apply Now!

Ready to take the next step?

The Civic Circle Fellowship is looking for motivated, curious, and dedicated students to join its inaugural cohort. If you’re eager to grow as a civic leader and contribute to the initiatives of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, we encourage you to apply.

Applications are now open. Click the button below to submit your materials and be considered for this unique opportunity.

Should you have any questions, please email freedom@fiu.edu.

Florida International University is a vibrant, student-centered public research university, ideally located in Miami, that is worlds ahead in its commitment to learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity so that our graduates are prepared to succeed in a global market.

Contact Us

Interested in collaborating and being a part of our Center? Email us at freedom@fiu.edu today for more information.

Donate

Donations will support the general operating needs of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom.

Florida International University is a vibrant, student-centered public research university, ideally located in Miami, that is worlds ahead in its commitment to learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity so that our graduates are prepared to succeed in a global market.

Contact Us

Interested in collaborating and being a part of our Center? Email us at freedom@fiu.edu today for more information.

Donate

Donations will support the general operating needs of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom.

Our Sponsor:

Florida International University is a vibrant, student-centered public research university, ideally located in Miami, that is worlds ahead in its commitment to learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity so that our graduates are prepared to succeed in a global market.

Donate

Donations will support the general operating needs of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom.