The Clinton Community Fellows Program has officially launched its 2026 summer session, welcoming a new cohort of college students for a 10-week immersive experience focused on leadership development, community engagement, and professional growth. The 2026 Clinton Community Fellows include Wilmington College students Gracie Bowers, Lucy Gabbert, Carlie McCoy and Devon Snyder.
Founded through a partnership among Energize Clinton County (ECC), the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), the Clinton Community Fellows Program connects students and recent graduates with meaningful opportunities to serve local organizations while gaining hands-on professional experience. This year, the program also received grant funding through Wilmington College’s Merrill Evans Innovation Fund Grant to support a fourth Fellow, expanding the program’s reach and increasing its impact throughout the community. Wilmington College continues to serve as the program’s administrative and educational partner.
Throughout the summer, Fellows will work with a variety of local businesses, nonprofits and public organizations on projects that address community needs and support long-term growth across Clinton County. Participants will gain valuable workplace experience while contributing innovative ideas and practical solutions to local initiatives.
Community partners for the 2026 summer include the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, the Clinton County Board of Elections, the Clinton County Health Department and Dr. Catherine Laruffa of Blanchester. Fellows will work on projects ranging from marketing strategy development and community outreach to research and data collection, all designed to create meaningful benefits for both the partner organizations and the broader Clinton County community.
The 2026 Clinton Community Fellows are Gracie Bowers, Lucy Gabbert, Carlie McCoy, and Devon Snyder.
“I am so excited to work with all of our Fellows and community partners this summer,” said Bekah Wall, director of the Clinton Community Fellows Program. “Over the years, I have seen the lasting impact this program has had on past Fellows, both professionally and personally. I am looking forward to seeing the creativity, dedication, and leadership that this year’s Fellows bring to their projects and to our community.”
In addition to their project-based internships, Fellows will participate in weekly leadership seminars, community dinners, networking opportunities, and professional development activities designed to strengthen their leadership abilities and expand their understanding of the region. The program will conclude with a public capstone presentation on Aug. 7, in the McCoy Room of Kelly Center at Wilmington College, where Fellows will showcase their work and share the outcomes of their summer projects with community partners, family members and residents.
Supported by local mentors, business leaders, nonprofit professionals and public servants, the Fellows program is funded by the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission, the Clinton County Foundation, the George and Charlene Bush Family Charitable Fund and private donations to Energize Clinton County. “We’re so proud and excited to see the next cohort of Fellows kick off; the legacy of this program continues to pay dividends for Clinton County,” noted Christian Schock, president emeritus of Energize Clinton County.
To learn more about the program or follow the Fellows’ summer journey, visit @ClintonCommunityFellows on Facebook or contact Wall at bekah.wall@wilmington.edu.
TOP PHOTO: Pictured from left to right: Dessie Rogers, Director of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce; Fellow Gracie Bowers; Dr. Catherine Laruffa; Fellow Devon Snyder; Andrea Tacoronte, Director of the Clinton County Board of Elections; Fellow Lucy Gabbert; Tish Kratzer, Department Director for the Clinton County Board of Elections; Monica Wood, Health Commissioner at Clinton County Health District; Fellow Carlie McCoy; and Bekah Wall, Director of the Clinton Community Fellows Program.