The mission of the Deaton Scholars Program is to provide a platform for students to:

• Explore the value of interdisciplinary teamwork
• Understand their individual role in collaborative problem solving
• Empower local action to address global poverty

We believe every student can contribute to creative solutions for the world’s most urgent and pressing issues. The Deaton Scholars Program offers students a chance to learn about and engage with local and global issues stemming from poverty and hunger. As a participant, students join diverse teams and delve head-first into creative problem solving. With the help of program leaders, students gain hands-on experience proposing, funding and implementing their own solutions.

Program Structure

We welcome a new cohort of students at the start of every fall semester; we accept applications in the summer, up until the program begins. Once admitted to the program, students are expected to commit to regular group meetings during the first semester. Participants are placed into groups based on the interests outlined in their application.

Throughout the first semester, students work with their group to develop a project proposal through a process called collective peer mentorship, in which a group of people mentor each other to foster personal and professional growth. Participants benefit from the richness and diversity of their disciplinary and cultural backgrounds to build synergies through working on a common project. Collective peer mentorship is process-based and committed to continuous improvements.

Students leave the first semester with a concrete project proposal, a clear understanding of how each group member contributes to the success of the project, knowledge of the need their project addresses, a connection with a community partner(s) and a timeline for project implementation during the second semester.

Second semester Deaton Scholars work on implementing their project proposal. The second half of the program is independent, but students are expected to meet regularly with their groups and work closely with program leaders during this phase. Depending on the scope of their project, personal and professional interests, and project feasibility, students may begin or complete project implementation during the second semester.

All Deaton Scholars are invited to attend additional events organized or promoted by the program leadership.

Please reach out to Michelle Teti, at tetim@missouri.edu, with more questions.