Shreya Murti ’27 wanted to spend her summer doing something that mattered. The political science major—who minors in math and economics—was looking for an opportunity to study abroad and do work that could make a real difference.
Sitting in a crowd of 100 Santa Clara University students, faculty, staff, and community members at Miller Center’s annual Action Research with a Mission showcase, she listened as Emil Chaia ’25 shared what six weeks working alongside local entrepreneurs in East Africa had taught him about service rooted in humility. Chaia completed the experience as part of the Miller Center Lewis Family Fellowship, a fully funded program that sends Santa Clara juniors abroad to support social enterprises in communities around the world. By the end of the showcase, she decided to apply.
“I’ve always been passionate about social justice and interested in cultural exchange,” says Murti, who was accepted to the program early decision. “This fellowship is special because you get the opportunity to go in person and work in another country. That’s exactly what I want to do.”
The fellowship pairs two quarters of coursework and academic research with hands-on work alongside mission-driven social enterprises addressing challenges like poverty, women’s economic power, and climate resilience in different countries. At its core, the program is grounded in the idea that showing up ready to listen is just as important as the work itself.
But the work for these fellows starts long before they ever land in country. Students spend spring quarter studying their host country’s history, learning cultural sensitivity, and grounding themselves in the principles of social entrepreneurship—a process that is, in itself, an act of humility.
With guidance from Santa Clara faculty and Miller Center mentors, fellows also develop research proposals and complete logistics and safety training. By the time they arrive abroad, they are prepared to engage with their host organizations as informed partners.
“We place a strong emphasis on cultural humility and preparing students to be thoughtful, respectful research partners with community stakeholders,” says Leslie Gray, senior director of academics and research at Miller Center and professor of environmental studies & sciences at Santa Clara. “Students learn to listen first, build relationships grounded in mutual respect, and contribute their knowledge in ways that are culturally appropriate and responsive to local contexts.”
That preparation has also helped position Miller Center fellows for future opportunities, including Fulbright grants. Seventeen former fellows have received Fulbrights, with many citing their Miller Center fellowship experience as instrumental to their applications.
