Shinnyo Fellowship Program

Shinnyo Fellowship Program

Status: Active program - restructured in late 2025

Description: A school-year long fellowship program for undergraduate and post-undergraduate fellows to engage in campus and community service, and peacebuilding endeavors as they identify and actualize their paths to peace. Program was reshaped in late 2025 to appoint a single "Shinnyo Pathways Fellow" in partnership with community colleges and universities.

Current Partner Institution (2025-2026): Berkeley City College (BCC), Berkeley, California

Program Evolution:

Previous Structure (nearly 10 years): Full-time post-undergraduate fellows with five university partners and one community organization

New Structure (2025-2026 and beyond): Single "Shinnyo Pathways Fellow" focusing on partnership with community colleges to reach more diverse and under-resourced students

Current Fellow (2025-2026): Sofia Jacob (inaugural Shinnyo Pathways Fellow)

Eligibility:

Undergraduate or post-undergraduate students

Students of Shinnyo Fellowship Program partner universities/institutions

(New): Community college students at BCC

Focus Areas:

Campus and community service

Peacebuilding

Leadership development

Identifying and actualizing personal paths to peace

Academic coaching and counseling (at community college level)

Program development

Transfer student support

Community building

Support Provided:

Fellowship stipend/funding

Supervision and guidance from experienced mentors

Service placement opportunities

Professional development

Partner Selection Rationale:

Berkeley City College chosen for:

- Strong familiarity with foundation values and principles
- Deep understanding of foundation's work
- Previous experience as placement site for Shinnyo Fellows from UC Berkeley's Public Service Center
- Trusted and experienced partner
- Serves diverse and under-resourced student populations

Contact: Foundation office for inquiries about future fellowship opportunities