The Student Fellows Program at Appalachian State University is a paid leadership opportunity that empowers students to play a pivotal role in promoting civic literacy and engagement across campus. The program’s core goal is to increase awareness and participation in democratic processes, particularly focusing on voter education and constructive dialogue. The fellows organize and lead activities such as voter registration drives, voter turnout efforts and educational presentations about democracy. Fellows work individually and collaboratively to engage the entire campus community of the ongoing mission of civic literacy on App State’s campus by creating an informed, active and involved student body.
2024-2025 Student Fellows
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Aidan BeauregardPolitical Science Major, with a Concentration in American Government and Politics. Minoring in EconomicsChapel Hill, NC“I'm super excited to help inform and motivate the App State community to be more civically engaged, so everyone can see just how much of an impact young people voting and participating can make!”
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Artie BradleySocial Work major, minor in American Sign LanguageWaynesville, NC“Civic literacy matters because everyone should have access to clear and fair information about how our government and civic processes work.”
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May CurrensPolitical Science with a concentration in Pubic Administration, minor in Non-profit organizationsAsheville, NC“I want to empower and provide resources to my peers so that they can engage in our democracy and our campus community.”
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Jones GrafPhilosophy; (mn) political scienceWilmington, NC“I am thrilled to be a fellow because I adore curious conversation! The opportunity to connect with my peers and community in a collaborative way for something as large as electoral politics does not happen every day — I am excited to see what comes of it.”
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Isabella LebronPsychology & English major, ASL minorWendell, NC“Civic literacy is essential because it allows individuals to adequately understand and evaluate their democratic duties and choices in the world around them.”
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Sofie MascellinoSustainable Development, Minor: Political ScienceMatthews, NC“Civic literacy is important because it shapes the future of our country through educating our citizens on political structures and their rights as a voter.”
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Hunter MessickPolitical Science with pre-law concentration, English minorDurham, NC“Civic literacy is important because it allows people to make connections between problems in our society and possible solutions. Learning the workings of government lets us see how observable problems are caused and potentially how they are fixed.”
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Rian MofuEconomics and International Business with a minor SpanishCharlotte, NC“As a Civic Literacy Fellow at App State, I’m excited to connect with students, faculty, and Boone residents to spark conversations about the democratic process, which will help to empower our community with civic knowledge that shapes our nation.”
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Andrew MyersEnvironmental ScienceLenoir, NC“I am excited to be part of a team that breaks down barriers preventing people from becoming active citizens in our democracy.”
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Dillon SmartPolitical Science : Public Admin, Atmospheric SciencesCharlotte, NC“Civic literacy is necessary to understand how government works so it can work for us the best way possible!”
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Abby Gonzalez ZavalaEconomics and Political ScienceNew Bern, NC“Civic literacy is important because it educates people so that they understand their rights, responsibilities and the impact of their participation in the democratic process.”
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Ava ZellmanSocial Work, minor in SpanishRaleigh, NC“I want to share with others how important it is to vote and how we can all be active citizens in our own ways.”