Founded by students in 1987, Community Action (CA) strives to place student leadership at its core. There are two avenues for current Princeton students to engage with leadership opportunities through Community Action: As a CA Fellow or as a member of the CA Leadership Team. 

CA Leadership Team

The 2025 CA Leader application is now open! Interested applicants should apply by March 28, 2025 for priority consideration. Applicants will be invited to attend a CA group process on March 28, April 4, or April 11 2025.

During the week of Community Action, the first-year students are guided and mentored by their CA Leaders, who are well-trained and enthusiastic current students. CA Leaders have the opportunity to positively shape the experience of incoming first-year students by facilitating community building activities, serving as liaisons with community partners and projects, and carrying out the daily schedule in order to ensure the safety and inclusion of all participants. In addition, during the week and beyond, CA Leaders provide support, advice, and guidance to the participants to help them transition into Princeton and the community. Each CA group will be comprised of 10-13 first-year students and two CA Leaders. 

Being a part of the CA Leadership Team offers the following:

  • Early move-in to your housing assignment for the fall semester
  • Meals during training and programming
  • Student leadership experience
  • Welcoming the Princeton Class of 2029!

Qualifications

  • Member of Princeton’s Class of 2026, 2027, 2028
  • Must be in good standing with the University and enrolled in courses for the Fall 2025 term
  • Available for and attend all training, meetings, and program dates (see application for more details)

CA Fellowship

The 2025 CA Fellow application is now open! Interested applicants should apply by January 13, 2025. Those who apply by December 6, 2024 will be able to interview during Reading Period. Please reach out to Alex Tubridy with any questions. 

The CA Fellows program, established in 2017, is a year-long, paid opportunity within the Pace Center for Civic Engagement.

CA Fellows are selected annually for their commitment to service and the Princeton community, potential for continued leadership growth, and experience participating or coordinating past service or student organization programs. CA Fellows are responsible for community partnership development, communications, service-learning activities, and logistical planning associated with the CA region that they manage. CA Fellows also provide mentorship and guidance to the CA Leadership Team members within their region, assist with the recruitment of Leadership Team members, and facilitate trainings.

CA Fellows participate in professional development, retreats, and are advised one-on-one by a member of the Community Action professional staff.

The position typically runs from late February to December with summer serving as a 13-week, full-time internship experience. For eligible students, the CA Fellowship also allows them to participate in Service Focus.