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Common Good Collective

Undergraduate Program On Campus
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Related Programs:

Bring Renewal into Every Corner of Society

The Common Good Collective brings students together for two years to study justice, neighborhoods, and what helps people thrive - and then put that learning into practice.

CGC students share five Calvin Core courses that explore community, sociology, justice, civil rights, and sustainable communities. Outside the classroom, they build friendships and community through service projects, bonfires, game nights, Friendsgiving, coffee and pastries, and the ordinary moments of doing life together. Students serve with local organizations, explore Grand Rapids, and learn from people working for change, culminating in a fully funded civil rights tour of the American South.

 

Who Can Apply?

  • Those entering Calvin as a first-year student in Fall 2027
  • Students from any major who understand the value of service and are passionate about seeing their local community improve

If you are starting Calvin after 2027, please send us your information (see form below) and we'll invite you to apply when the application is open to you. Email cohorts@calvin.edu with questions.

Important Dates

Application opens on August 1. The deadline to apply is January 15. Find all dates and deadlines below!

Learn more about Cohorts at Calvin

Why Join the Common Good Collective?

Collaborate with diverse perspectives

Work with students from diverse majors and backgrounds to tackle complex social challenges. Together, you'll be a living example of collaborative approach that's needed to build healthy communities.

Grow through mentorship

Your professors will know you personally and mentor you on a path to your career goals. They'll help you create a cohort experience tailored your unique interests and talents.

Engage in the community

You'll find all kinds of student organizations and local connections where great work is being done. You'll have the chance to get involved with, and maybe even lead, these efforts.

Lead with purpose

Develop your voice and vision as a leader committed to justice, equity, and renewal. You'll be part of a story of hope, collaboration, and community transformation.

Visit Us

Are you planning a visit to Calvin? Ask your admissions counselor to schedule a meeting with a Cohorts representative during your visit. We'd love to meet you and answer your questions!

Check out our upcoming visits

Three students walk beneath the overpass on Calvin's campus during a tour.

Cohort Application Deadlines and Interviews

Application

August 1: Applications Open

Apply to Calvin and to Cohorts. You can apply to more than one cohort, but you can only participate in one.

Apply to Calvin

January 15: Cohort Application Deadline

Application deadline for Cohorts and Honors Scholars.

Interview invites sent late January.

Interviews

February: Interviews

Cohort interviews:

  • February 20–25, virtual
  • February 27, in person at Calvin Discovery Day

March: Cohort Offers Sent

Contact

Mark Mulder

Mark Mulder

Professor, Director of Urban Studies
616-526-6755
Ben Gritter

Ben Gritter

Associate Director of Experiential Learning

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