Interviews for Neighborhood Investment Fellowship Program

The Neighborhood Investment Fellowship is an experiential learning opportunity focused on community development and nonprofit leadership. This program launched in the summer of 2026. Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) students from across academic disciplines support individual nonprofits within the Westside of Bloomington as well as work collaboratively to address common opportunities and concerns in the neighborhood they share. This initiative promotes civic engagement through student leadership, town-gown partnerships, and asset-based community development.

Students interviewed community members to document their experience as Westside residents. The program values the voice of leaders, homeowners, and other local stakeholders. Capturing these stories guides our work today and hopefully for future student engagement as well.