NGOLD
The Center for NGO Leadership & Development
Zulauf Hall 114
(815) 753-4410
ngoldcenter@niu.edu
niu.edu/ngold
The Make a Difference Major: Community Leadership and Civic Engagement
Community Leadership and Civic Engagement (CLCE) was created for students who want to make a difference in the world, but want a paying career as well.
The CLCE major is one-of-a-kind in Illinois and among ;only a select few in the United States. It is interdisciplinary, meaning that students are exposed to a wide variety of topics such as sociology, public administration, and business. Working closely with faculty, students take part in hands-on community projects to build professional experience while applying lessons learned in the classroom.
What Jobs Are Available?
Graduates pursue rewarding careers in the public and nonprofit sectors. Many jobs found in the nonprofit sector are nearly identical to those in governmental and business sectors.
The nonprofit sector is one of the fastest growing job sectors in the United States and offers a wide variety of career opportunities.
Scholarships Available!
Students choose one of the following emphasis areas within the major to customize their learning experience while finishing the degree requirements.
Areas of Emphasis:
Making a Difference
A group of CLCE students directly contributed to a successful grant application that brought in $8.5 million for a local library. Students take part in campus service groups such as Helping Hands, National PanHellenic Council, Circle K, and We Care 4 NIU.
Internships
CLCE students are encouraged to take part in internships, which can be completed for course credit.
Examples include Noi, who interned at the United Nations; Isabelle, who interned with PEACE Mexico; and Amanda, who served as a congressional intern in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Expanded Horizons
Students often choose to study abroad, like Jacob, who spent last semester in Indonesia while earning course credit that can be applied toward the CLCE major.