Haverhill, MA (September 3, 2026) — Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named Northern Essex Community College psychology major Kisleiny Abreu as a 2026/2027 Newman Civic Fellow. Students from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico make up this year’s cohort.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.
Kisleiny Abreu
“As the Community Impact Chair for the Student Government Association and a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Kisleiny approaches systemic challenges like student poverty and educational persistence through a unique philosophy of self-awareness. She believes that lasting community change begins with individual clarity and emotional connection,” wrote NECC President Lane Glenn in his nomination. “As a returning student and mother, she leads with authenticity and designs inclusive solutions that invite others into the process of civic engagement. Her commitment to the whole student ensures that her social advocacy remains both compassionate and sustainable.”
“I believe real change starts within. The way we think, the way we respond and the way we see ourselves shapes how we show up in the world. Because of that, my approach to social issues is not only focused on external solutions, but also on self-awareness and helping people reconnect with themselves. In my experience, many of the struggles we see in communities come from disconnection, from people feeling unheard, unseen or stuck in patterns they don’t understand. I focus on creating spaces for reflection and also sharing from my own experiences, allowing others to feel seen and understood,” said Abreu.
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.
“This group of exceptional students from campuses across the country is such a welcomed addition to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities. This is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellows, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions.”
Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort here.
