Montgomery County Community College is proud to announce that Brigette Barrow is one of only 290 students nationwide to be named a 2020 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program for students from Campus Compact member institutions. The students selected for the fellowship are leaders on their campuses who demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

Barrow was nominated for this esteemed program for her passion to help others, particularly fellow students who face food insecurity. She has dedicated much of her spare time to assisting with and advocating for Montco’s food pantries to help students who need this vital resource. Additionally, she has been active on campus in other leadership roles, including serving as the vice president of the Psychology Club, senator for the Student Government Association and the president of the African-American Student League.

“Brigette is a rare combination of a strong leader, who earns the respect of fellow students through her kindness and service,” said Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, MCCC’s Interim President and Provost. “Through all of these activities and accomplishments, she has made a profound impact on the college community and will no doubt continue to excel in her future career. We are very proud of Brigette and her many contributions to our Montco Family.”

Barrow, who attends MCCC’s Central Campus in Blue Bell,  is a psychology major and will be graduating from MCCC in May. She also is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. In the fall, she plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Penn State University and then continue her studies at law school.

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides the students with a variety of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional, and civic growth. Each year, Fellows are invited to a national, in-person conference of Newman Civic Fellows and participate in numerous virtual training and networking opportunities. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

“We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them,” said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. “The stories of this year's Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond. That is what Campus Compact is about, and it's what our country and our world desperately need.”

The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation.