Throughout its long history, Grinnell College has upheld an ideal of social justice and responsibility. As part of this historic commitment, and in an attempt to match the talents, energy, and idealism of our students with the needs of our local and global communities, Grinnell College has created the Grinnell Corps, six one-year, post-graduation service programs for students.

All six programs provide graduates with the opportunity to undertake a one-year service Fellowship supported by the college in the year immediately following their graduation. The programs are designed to be open for applications from as many students as possible, with no prerequisites or requirements (International students should check with program contacts before submitting an application to ensure eligibility). However, as noted above, students are only eligible to participate in Grinnell Corps programs in the year immediately following their graduation. All of the Grinnell Corps Fellows' reasonable expenses during their year of service, including transportation, stipend, housing, and insurance, are covered under these programs. All Fellows are expected to submit monthly reports to the Office of Social Commitment, as well as longer quarterly reports to be posted on the Grinnell Corps website. As feasible, Fellows are also brought back to campus in the semester after their return to the US to give a presentation on their year of service.

The Grinnell Corps programs are carried out in conjunction with partner institutions. Grinnell provides the funding for the programs; the Fellows provide the labor; and the partner institution provides the service opportunity. Currently, three of the Grinnell Corps programs - those in China, Lesotho, and Macao - are teaching programs; the Namibia Fellows work in conservation-related efforts; the Grinnell fellow works for the local anti-povery agency; and the New Orleans fellow assists a housing reconstruction organization. There are currently 10 fellowships each year; two in each of our four international programs, and one in each of our two domestic programs.

The Grinnell Corps has previously hosted programs in Greece and Nepal. These programs have been suspended for budget and safety reasons. We hope to restart these programs in future years, once the budget improves and the US State Department Travel Warning for Nepal has been lifted.

Application information, timeline, and forms.

All Grinnell Corps Fellows will be required to take part in a mandatory orientation and training program which will take place in the week after graduation, most likely May 26-30, 2010. Not all fellows will be required to stay for all five days of the training.