Cardinal Quarter

Spend a summer or quarter building knowledge, skills, and networks while making meaningful contributions to communities across the globe.

What is Cardinal Quarter?

Cardinal Quarter is a full-time, public service experience designed to integrate your academic learning with field-based experience. Dedicate a summer or a quarter to addressing an issue you care about with a partner organization. Over 500 opportunities are offered each year through almost 30 campus partners involved in the Cardinal Quarter initiative.

Cardinal Quarter participants become a part of the broader public service community at Stanford. Engage in preparatory programs, cohort activities, faculty advising sessions, and reflection activities designed to prepare you for your role and help you get the most out of your service experience. You will also receive a stipend to support travel and living costs.

Application Process

Cardinal Quarter offers opportunities for full-time public service experiences with a partner organization. For the 2023-24 academic year, students may apply for opportunities in the fall, winter, spring, or summer quarters. Explore opportunities to find out if you're eligible and how to apply.

• Resources for Fellowship Applicants

Featured Opportunities

Explore more opportunities

Meet with an Advisor

Need more information? Get started by meeting with a Cardinal Quarter advisor. Program staff and peer advisors are available to answer your questions on Cardinal Quarter opportunities and the application process.

• Discuss your ideas and public service interests
• Get advice on identifying a community partner organization
• Understand in greater detail what a Cardinal Quarter is like
• Get examples of previous public service internships and fellowships

Contact a staff advisor

Meet the Cardinal Quarter peer advisors

Resources

Find information to help you with the application process on this Resources for Fellowship Applicants page.