City Colleges of Chicago Student Selected as Newman Civic Fellow

Wright College and Harold Washington College psychology and political science student Tammy Spivey already stands out as a leader on her campuses. Now, she’s being further recognized for her leadership skills by being selected to join the 2024-2025 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. The yearlong program recognizes students for their leadership potential and their commitment to creating positive change in their community.

Tammy’s passion revolves around accessible education in all communities due to her personal experiences.

“Accessibility, equity, and empathy are the keys to improving society,” she said. “Accessibility to education is important to me, as I have experienced first-hand the difficulties of receiving a proper education. I was born partially deaf. I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. I attended 13 different elementary schools.”

Through the fellowship, Tammy and the other fellows will be offered learning and networking opportunities to nurture their development as civic leaders in addition to being assigned a mentor. All the programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate and create large-scale positive change.

Newman Civic Fellows are nominated by their college presidents. In Tammy’s nomination, Wright College President Dr. David Potash wrote, “[Tammy] views her work through an equity lens, striving to ensure that her fellow students receive the accommodations they deserve and helping the college deliver on its promise to meet students where they are, serve their needs, and help them achieve their goals.”

The student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington D.C., and Mexico will meet at the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education.

Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about Tammy here.