dukeengage

06/06/2026

Hi everyone! I’m Vanessa, a rising sophomore from Taipei, Taiwan. I’m currently majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science and minoring in Visual Media Studies.

This year, I’ll also be serving as a DukeEngage Social Media Ambassador for DukeEngage Korea, where we’ll be teaching English to North Korean refugees. I chose this program because I wanted to learn more about the complex political and social dynamics of East Asia and how they impact younger generations. I’m also interested in exploring the role education can play in supporting communities affected by these issues.

A few fun facts about me: I love watching movies, dancing, and photography, so I’m really looking forward to capturing memorable moments from our trip this summer! I’m excited to meet everyone and learn together through this experience.

06/05/2026

Hi! My name is Sophia Zheng, and I’m from Elkview, West Virginia. I’m an incoming sophomore at Duke University, planning to study Economics and Political Science. Some fun personal details about me are that I love exploring new hiking routes, I have a bit of an obsession with murder mysteries, and I’m hoping to get back into learning a form of martial art (most likely taekwondo)!

This summer, I look forward to being a DukeEngage Social Media Ambassador. I am a part of DukeEngage Boston, a program focused on addressing some of the educational inequities marginalized communities face. I chose this program because it resonates with my own limited educational opportunities, coming from a rural area. I will be working at Raising a Reader, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding literacy among minorities, and supporting their grant research and marketing development.

I’ve never been to Boston before, so I’m really excited to explore the city, get to know my cohort, and make the most of the experience together. I can’t wait to get started with this journey and share it through the DE Social Media Ambassador Program!

06/04/2026

Hi! My name is Minerva and I’m one of the DukeEngage Social Media Ambassadors! I’m a current rising junior from Washington DC pursuing a career in Electrical Computer Engineering at Duke University.

This summer I am taking part of the DukeEngage in Bolivia program. Through the span of the next 7 weeks we will be building a suspended bridge for the community of Pili Pili Bajo.

I was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia and grew up there until the age of seven. This summer is my first time coming back to Bolivia after thirteen years! I chose this program to immerse myself more in my culture and give back to the country that plays a huge role in who I am.

Two fun facts about me:

Two summers ago we went to Universal Studios, Orlando Florida and I fell in love with all the rides!

My love for dogs is a close second to that of amusement parks. My team and I arrived to our project on May 10th and ever since then I have made it my mission to train the dogs that come to the school we are staying at in my free time. Featured is Smokey! So far he knows how to sit and lay-down, next I will try to teach him how to roll over!

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06/03/2026

Hi everyone! My name is Charlotte, and I’m from Stormville, NY. I’m an incoming sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering. I’m part of the DukeEngage program at the Marine Lab this summer, where our team is working with multiple community partners in rural/coastal communities in North Carolina. We work in an area heavily shaped by its environment, as well as the climate-related disasters that come with it. I chose this program because I have always had an interest in the environment and climate change and wanted to support communities in which this issue was especially prevalent. In addition, I wanted to make a deeper impact by being personally involved in multiple aspects of the community. A little about me: I like dancing, running, eating good food, and trying new things. I’m super excited to get close with my DukeEngage cohort, see some wild horses and sea turtles, make an impact in Carteret County, and bring you all along with me through social media!

Hello! I’m Alayna, I’m from Frederick, Maryland, and I’m planning to study math and computer science. I’m a part of the DukeEngage Marine Lab program, and I chose this program for the involvement in the environment, sustainability, and conservation. Our program works with several community partners to do anything from tracking wild horse data to painting designs on drains. For fun, I love to thrift and paint! I’m looking forward to exploring more of Beaufort and nature-related activities such as kayaking!

What’s up! My name is Jackson, and I’m from Rupert, VT. I am a rising sophomore, and I’m still undecided. I am working with the DukeEngage Marine Lab program this summer. I chose this program because I wanted to dive deeper into nature and learn more about the North Carolina communities beyond Durham. My specific projects within the program involve working with the town of Beaufort to analyze how infrastructure supports tourism in the area, and with various environmental education projects to increase awareness of local issues.

Outside of DukeEngage-ing, I enjoy playing tennis, practicing taekwondo, filming, and going on spontaneous adventures. I’m excited for the journey and to get closer with my group!

04/30/2026

WE’RE HIRING: SUMMER INTERN

Looking for a creative and flexible role this summer? Join us as a DukeEngage Communications Intern!

What you’ll get:
• Hands-on experience in communications + storytelling
• Flexible schedule (3–5 hours/week)
• $20/hour 💰
• Experience with Graphic Design, Infographics, & Social Media Marketing

If you’re a strong communicator, detail-oriented, and ready to help share meaningful stories—we want you!

Apply through the link in our bio.

01/22/2026

How can students get the most out of their DukeEngage experience?

A key component of all DukeEngage programs, reflection helps students to derive meaning from their experiences. DukeEngage offers a reflection challenge each year, with submissions ranging from essays to oral stories and even poetry.

Here’s some of our top reflections from 2025! These students also shared their reflections at the DukeEngage Fall Reunion, pictured here.

Deborah Lendore won “Best Overall” in the DukeEngage Reflection Challenge for her writing and poems about her experience working in the Refugee Rights Unit at the University of Cape Town.

Tashiel Reid won the “Culture and Humility” category for her dynamic spoken-word poem “Thirty More Years” that confronts health inequities in Chicago and the importance of access to the arts.

Sienna Giuseppi won the “Courage and Adaptability” category for her fast-paced “Ignite Talk”-style presentation about building a bridge in DukeEngage Eswatini.

Maddie Morrison won the “Gratitude” category for her deeply personal reflection on how she reframed her father’s health crisis through the lens of community engagement.

Leo Goldberg won the “Hope, Vision, and Purpose” category for his reflection on protests and patriotism during his time in DukeEngage D.C.

Check the DukeEngage website to read these and other “featured reflections”!

12/05/2025

𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!

DukeEngage is hiring 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 for our 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟔 faculty-led programs—and we want YOU to apply!

If you have experience in 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, and 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺/𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, this is your chance to take on a pivotal role in an exciting summer experience. As a Site Coordinator, you’ll work closely with program directors to support students and community partners during our dynamic 𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁-𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀. Responsibilities vary by program, but you’ll play a key part in ensuring each program's success.

For more information and to apply, please visit the link below.

https://dukeengage.duke.edu/site-coordinators/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOf2wdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe2L2-_R6Wbp4I9Qg6FU7Jhk7Voauna6u1Je-AAalMmr8pKSli2APySOypp_o_aem_el-9brBRfMCKKMsJT8E-Wg

DukeEngage hires summer site coordinators, usually graduate students and young professionals, to help coordinate logistics in many group programs.

11/08/2025

Meet the Winners of the 2025 Fall Reflection Challenge!

Congratulations, Deborah, Madeline, Tashiel, Leo, and Sienna, our winners!

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10/03/2025

Announcing our Summer 2026 DukeEngage Group Programs!

We’re offering sixteen programs in the United States and globally. Every program focuses on a different theme and community around the world, but all are built on DukeEngage’s values: partnership, immersion, and reflection.

Applications are now live, and remember, the deadline is October 30!

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Pc: Asheville: Downtown Asheville North Carolina” by Ken Lane, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Pc: Uganda: Were Brian

10/01/2025

Today is the day! DukeEngage Summer 2026 group programs are up on our website, and applications are officially open.

Remember — the deadline is October 30!

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