Periclean Scholars Program      

The Periclean Pledge

We pledge to…

Listen to our partnering communities, acknowledging they often have the best solutions to local problems.

Learn about our partner communities’ history and traditions, to better engage in culturally-aware dialogue.

Assist our partners in community-run development projects that will enable their long-term success.

Responsibly study, document, and publicize our partner communities’ needs and desires.

Be committed to building life long sustainable partnerships, recognizing they take hard work and dedication.

Embrace our lifelong journey of global citizenship through intellectual and personal growth.

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The Periclean Scholars program at Elon University is the centerpiece of Project Pericles, which is committed to raising the level of civic engagement and social responsibility of the entire university community. Students who become part of the Periclean Scholars program take a series of courses (one per school year) culminating in a class project of global social change. The project is designed and carried out by the cohort of students from each year's class.

Periclean Scholar classes are small. Potential projects will be globally oriented, with the specific project chosen by each cohort. Imagine such projects as building a hospital in Honduras, or perhaps setting up access to potable water in Zambia. Find out if you're ready to participate by answering the following questions:

• Has taking The Global Experience (GST 110) changed how you feel about the world?
• Do you want to act on social or environmental problems?
• Are you willing to work with a group of your peers for the next three years toward a common goal?
• Does seeing a project go from idea to action inspire you?
• Do you want to contribute to the effort to create a more just world for all?
• Are you ready to "walk the walk" and not just "talk the talk" of being a fully engaged global citizen?
• Do you see yourself as a role model for your peers and have a willingness to lead by example?
• Do you like working closely with faculty members who are as passionately committed as you are?

If you said yes to the questions above, you may be ready to make possibly the most important commitment in your college career. As a Periclean Scholar, you will have the following experiences:

• The opportunity to have a direct impact on global issues
• In-depth research into a real-world problem guided by committed faculty
• The opportunity to interact with an experienced scholar-activist in your specific focus area (a "Periclean-in-Residence")
• Possible travel to visit the project site (in the fourth year)
• Recognition as a Periclean Scholar by your peers
• Be recognized on the Commencement Program upon graduation
• Develop a mutual commitment to action with a cohort of your peers through a series of exciting, and challenging classes

The Class of 2010 continues to sustain their efforts in Ghana. For an update on their progress go to their website.

For more information about the Class of 2011's environmental conservation and education efforts in Sri Lanka and at Graham Middle School, please visit their website.

For more information about the Class of 2012's work empowering adolescent girls in both Jamkhed, India and in Alamance County, please visit their website.

For more information about the Class of 2013's work in Chiapas, Mexico, please visit their website.