The Sullivan Foundation was established in 1930 and began awarding service-based scholarships to deserving students while establishing endowments at certain schools within its network. Today, we have more than 30 schools with dedicated Sullivan endowments which are used to fund deserving students to participate in our programming and receive scholarships for reduced tuition.

The Sullivan Fellows program is a three-year cohort-based leadership program for rising sophomores who receive hand-on-training, community immersion,  and ongoing guidance from Sullivan mentors. Graduates of the fellowship will be equipped with the mindset, skillsets, and connections to make a meaningful contribution to the world around them.

During our flagship retreat, students learn to create change and build a life they love. With hands-on workshops and personalized mentorship from community leaders, students walk away from this weekend with more clarity on their role as service-oriented leaders, practical social entrepreneurship skills, and connections with fellow changemakers.

Over the years, the Foundation has become known for designing experiential programming that supports emerging leaders, including field trips, study abroad adventures, virtual masterclasses, and coaching cohorts. Alumni have gone on to create a wide range of organizations that address social problems in their communities.

The Sullivan Service Corps is designed to cultivate changemaking leadership, systems understanding within a real-world context, and personal growth in a hands-on, experiential environment. This summer, we’re launching our Sullivan Service Corps 2025: Asheville. This is an opportunity for enterprising students to be immersed in a highly dynamic environment and engaged with local leaders contributing to Western North Carolina’s long-term resilience. There will be two sessions.

• Session One is a five-week, exclusive internship for rising juniors and seniors in the Sullivan Fellows Program.
• Session Two is a two-and-a-half-week program open to aspiring and practicing changemakers from all colleges and universities.

Applications close on April 15th, 2025. 

The Sullivan Awards, the only national collegiate service award, have been presented since 1890. These awards are presented to college students, faculty, staff and civic leaders who have distinguished themselves through service to others and their communities.