New York, NY — Following a semester of deep engagement, community collaboration, and narrative innovation, Project Pericles will host the Virtual Closing Program for the inaugural Civic Story Lab on May 27, 2026 from 2:30-3:30 PM ET. Open to the public, this event will showcase the work of seven college campus teams who have spent the spring semester developing documentary and storytelling projects rooted in their communities.
Supported by the Eugene M. Lang Foundation, the Civic Story Lab launched earlier, bringing together faculty mentors, community partners, and undergraduate students to work on storytelling projects rooted in local civic life. The Closing Program will feature photo essays, video projects, and community-based research produced by student fellows alongside their reflections on what they learned
“The Civic Story Lab asks students to listen carefully to their communities and find ways to tell stories that don’t always get told,” said Sanda Balaban, Executive Director of Project Pericles. “This closing session is a chance to hear directly from those who undertook this work together.”
The fellowship teams, who received $7,500 in grant support, represent a diverse array of partnerships and civic projects:
- Allegheny College: Partnered with Common Roots to support low-income families in achieving homeownership.
- Bethune-Cookman University: Partnered with the Equal Ground Education Fund to elevate the civic impact of women and faith leaders in Florida.
- Hampshire College: Collaborated with the Belchertown Nipmuc Farm Conservation Alliance and the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band to advance Indigenous-led land stewardship.
- Macalester College: Worked with the Lake Street Council, Rondo Center, and Hallie Q. Brown Community Center to develop multimedia projects connecting historical and contemporary Twin Cities narratives.
- Pace University: Partnered with the news outlet Hell Gate for student-led reporting on NYC civic issues and City Council hearings.
- Skidmore College: Partnered with the Parole Preparation Project to document community perspectives on the 2025 New York State correction officer strike.
- Ursinus College: Partnered with ACLAMO to design and facilitate youth civic leadership workshops.
Students, community partners, and facilitators will gather to share what they developed and what they learned. Attendees can register through the Virtual Closing Program RSVP form.
About Project Pericles
Project Pericles is a national consortium of colleges and universities that places civic learning at the heart of higher education. By partnering with faculty and campus leaders, Project Pericles creates innovative learning opportunities that foster the agency and confidence students need to strengthen their communities and democratic life.
Media Contact:
Harry Patton Hou
Civic Impact and Communications Coordinator
harry@projectpericles.org