Civic Engagement Institute
Civic leadership through real-world exposure
The Civic Engagement Institute (CEI) is Delta Sigma Phi’s immersive, multi-day experience in Washington, D.C., designed to help undergraduate leaders better understand how change happens in communities through government, nonprofits, and cross-sector leadership.
Civic Engagement Institute
Civic leadership through real-world exposure
The Civic Engagement Institute (CEI) is Delta Sigma Phi’s immersive, multi-day experience in Washington, D.C., designed to help undergraduate leaders better understand how change happens in communities through government, nonprofits, and cross-sector leadership.
Overview
Dates: April 17-19
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free to attend*
* The Delta Sigma Phi Foundation generously covers all expenses, including registration, flights, hotel, and meals.
The Civil Engagement Institute brings together a small cohort of student leaders for an immersive weekend centered on experiential learning. Through behind-the-scenes site visits, direct conversations with leaders, and structured reflection, participants build practical civic literacy and confidence in how institutions and communities work. CEI is a nonpartisan program focused on helping students:
understand how decisions get made
see how different sectors solve problems
practice respectful dialogue across perspectives
leave with a clearer sense of how they can contribute back home.
Who's a great fit?
CEI is designed for initiated undergraduate members who are:
involved in chapter leadership, campus leadership, or community service
curious about public service, policy, nonprofit work, or community change
ready to engage in respectful dialogue across viewpoints
open to learning through observation, questions, and reflection
Ideal candidates often include: chapter officers, student government leaders, service chairs, campus org leaders, emerging leaders with strong curiosity and maturity.
Itinerary
Participants visit organizations across sectors (government, nonprofit, and cross-sector/civic leadership spaces) to learn how leaders approach public problems in real time.
Short learning blocks introduce practical frameworks (how change happens, stakeholders & systems, coalition-building, civic leadership).
Guided personal reflection and small-group debriefs help participants connect what they’re seeing to their values, leadership style, and community goals.
Apply Today!
Click the link below to access the CEI online application. Entries are due by March 1st at 11:59PM EST.
Applications must be entered and complete by the deadline to be considered; there will be no exceptions to this policy. Selected applicants will be notified within two weeks of the deadline.
FAQ
Initiated undergraduate members in good standing who are interested in civic leadership, community impact, and learning how public systems work in practice.
The pilot program takes place in Washington, D.C., April 17–19.
No. CEI is nonpartisan and educational. The program focuses on civic literacy, leadership, and understanding how communities create change across sectors.
Participants will hear from leaders, ask questions, and learn how organizations operate day-to-day, followed by structured reflection and debrief.
Still have questions? Send an email to membershipexperience@deltasig.org and we'll get back with you ASAP!