Haverhill, MA (September 10, 2025) — Recent Northern Essex Community College Outstanding Graduating Student Awardee caitlin little has a new honor to add to her impressive resume.  Thirty-eight students from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico make up this year’s cohort.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.

caitlin little at Commencement

little, a general studies: individualized option graduate who attended NECC through the MassReconnect Program, is a first-generation college attendee and an active participant in the college’s PACE Program. Through her full-time job as a nonprofit community engagement director, she has devoted much of her time outside of campus to promoting inclusive arts programming for youth across Haverhill, and recently launched a capital campaign to raise funds for a permanent arts mentoring program space. little currently serves as a member of the Haverhill Promise book buddy program, the Dover Arts Commission, and the Haverhill Cultural Council, and is the fundraising committee co-chair for Haverhill’s first-ever Pride Parade.

In his nomination of little, NECC President Lane Glenn wrote: “She approaches leadership with kindness and empathy, striving to create opportunities that foster inclusive and sustainable communities. With a deep commitment to the non-profit sector, Caitlin is driven to address public issues with innovative solutions, ensuring that no community member is left behind. Her leadership exemplifies the power of compassion in creating lasting change.”

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.

caitlin little on stage at the Art Space show

The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.

“I believe in collaboration over saviorism, and I measure impact not by numbers, but by connection and sustainability,” said little.  “As a Newman Civic Fellow, I look forward to growing within a network of changemakers— sharing strategies, amplifying each other’s work, and continuing to ask hard questions about justice, power, and possibility. I want to be the kind of leader who doesn’t just open doors but holds them open for others.”

“It is an honor to welcome this group of accomplished and dedicated students to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “As higher education faces unprecedented challenges, these students exemplify the power and possibility of civic and community engagement on campus. As they emerge as the leaders of tomorrow, we are proud that this fellowship will be part of their story. From a variety of institutions and with diverse backgrounds and experiences, these Fellows represent a bright future for public problem solving.”

Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort here.