Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund
The Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund will support undergraduate and graduate student efforts that provide students with the opportunity to learn how to effectively and respectfully engage in dialogue. Selected projects will meet the outcomes and requirements outlined below and contribute to ensuring that a variety of topics and experiences are available for JHU students to develop strong, respectful discernment and engagement across difference.
Hopkins is committed to encouraging students to engage in dialogue with those who may share different perspectives than they do, and to do so in a way that allows for genuine, open and thoughtful debate. This fund deliberately supports students seeking to carry, in the words of President Daniels, “the flame of rational inquiry and debate that burns so brightly here at Hopkins.”
Student Learning Outcomes
Through this program, students will be able to:
- Develop their capacity to respectfully engage in constructive dialogue and discussion with others whose perspectives may differ from their own.
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills by employing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and reflection.
- Provide opportunities for students to engage in dialogue across different perspectives on issues that are important to them.
- Enhance the community’s understanding of complex political and social issues.
- Strengthen our community’s ability to come together to discuss and learn from each other.
Proposal Requirements
- Student Group Co-Sponsorship: All proposals must include a co-sponsor approach of at least two departmentally sponsored student groups. Eligible groups include:
- Registered student organizations (must state advisor)
- Established research groups (must state PI)
- Departmentally supported student programs
- Collaboration: All proposals must be a collaborative effort between two or more groups (see qualifications above), and submitters may partner with faculty and staff as appropriate in developing and submitting their proposals.
- Diversity of thought: Proposals must indicate how the program will address different perspectives and encourage discussion and dialogue between participants.
- Applicants: Proposals can be submitted by undergraduate and graduate students from any JHU school.
- Audience: All are welcome. All programs should be designed with a broad student audience in mind.
- Funding: Proposals can seek a total amount of up to $10,000 and programs may be planned for one or two semesters, pending program design. Note: Funding may be used to cover a speaker or guest’s fees, food or space, or other reasonable costs determined to be in line with university policies and guidelines.
- Required training: Fund awardees will be required to complete dialogue training offered by the Center for Social Concern prior to the start of the project.
Application Timeline
Applications Open: August 27-October 15, 2025
Deadline to Apply: October 15, 2025
Recipients announced: October 30, 2025
Projects Implemented: January 19-April 30, 2026
Projects must be completed by: April 30, 2026