SHAPE Students Heightening Actionable Political Engagement
The institutions of our democracy and the ideas that underpin them are being challenged across our society. Now more than ever, our world needs people with the skills, habits, and inclinations to strengthen inclusive democracy and contribute to solving the most important problems in their communities together. Shape is an opportunity to step into your role as a civically engaged person and to learn and practice these essential skills. You will be part of a real world ‘think tank’ working with local government and our neighbors to shape policy and grassroots program implementation in our host community on a real problem the community faces. We invite all civically minded, politically curious, and creative incoming students to this truly unique experience, where you will interact with elected officials, neighbors, and Tufts alumni doing related work.
SHAPE was an amazing experience to start my journey at Tufts. I was able to meet an incredible group of people that are now my closest friends. SHAPE also taught me a lot about campus and about civic engagement, that has allowed me to be more involved on campus both professionally and personally.
Bela Silvares, Class of 2027
SHAPE helped me find friends I continue to have today and learn about the communities that host our university. SHAPE allowed me to jump head-first into community service and activism in Medford/Somerville while also helping smooth the transition between home and college.
Isaac Ulloa Antonio, Class of 2027
SHAPE impacted my first year at Tufts by introducing to a variety of students that were as civically passionate as I was. Through camp-like games, rewarding activities, and mealtime discussions, my SHAPE peers quickly became my SHAPE friends.
Manu Narasimhan, Class of 2027
The SHAPE Experience
As a participant in SHAPE, you’ll be part of a welcoming, supportive, fun community that facilitates social connections and learning about Tufts. At the same time, you’ll get first-hand experience with civic, advocacy, and governmental organizations and you’ll make a difference in our local communities by participating in a hands-on civic project.
SHAPE Community
SHAPE is a bonding experience that launches you into Tufts. Thanks to our small group format, highly-rated social activities, shared meals, and the intensive schedule, participants find that their SHAPE peers quickly become friends and remain close throughout their journey at Tufts, long after pre-o has ended. In addition to being surrounded by impressive peers, you’ll be connected to SHAPE coordinators and leaders who mentor participants and serve as resources and lasting connections, offering advice and cheering you on as you navigate your Tufts experience. SHAPErs also report that SHAPE helped them acclimate to campus before orientation started and made lasting friendships to ease their way into orientation week and the school year.
Make a Difference
Civic engagement is part of our DNA at Tufts, and SHAPE launches you into your civic engagement journey at Tufts. SHAPE is a hands-on experience where you will learn about our local communities, meet elected officials and other leaders, and make a direct, meaningful difference for your new neighbors. The signature SHAPE experience is a project where we partner with a government agency, non-profit organization, or other civic group to make a positive difference in our society. While projects often have a direct action component, the project is focused on policy-level work and the political system, rather than individual volunteerism. Projects are often intensive and rewarding. While the project is completed during SHAPE, students may choose to stay involved with the same issue moving forward or use the skills from SHAPE in other activities in the future. In many cases, students find that SHAPE has activated their interest in democracy, civic engagement, politics, and making a difference.
SHAPE is for Everyone
SHAPE is open to every incoming Tufts student! No prior experience with civic engagement, politics, activism, or volunteerism is required. Students of all identities, philosophies, citizenships, and political persuasions are welcome.
2023 SHAPE Highlights Included:
- $28,440 in annual funding was distributed to Bostonians for internet access through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Each grant directly pays for monthly internet service and related technology so that people without internet access can be connected.
- Over 35 laptops were distributed to low-income residents with no computer or tablet. The free laptops were distributed at community health centers so that patients could, among other uses, improve their health by attending virtual doctors’ appointments and corresponding with healthcare providers.
- In a comprehensive canvassing operation, hundreds of Somerville residents were surveyed to inform the City’s Digital Equity Plan which aims to make Somerville one of the first US cities 100% connected to the internet.
- Partnered with amazing community organizations in Chelsea, Boston, Medford, and Somerville working on civic issues, including environmental justice, housing, and voting.
- SHAPE participants remained friends all year. Many went on spring break together in March 2024.
- Several participants stayed connected to community organizations they met during the program, taking internships or working on research projects.
- 2023 SHAPErs became involved in several on-campus activities and organizations related to civic engagement, including a first-year student who was elected to the Tufts Community Union!
SHAPE in the News
2024 Student Coordinators
Naheim Washington, 2025
Naheim is a Junior at Tufts University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology with a minor in Education. Originally from Milford, CT, Naheim is a dedicated student-athlete, having achieved multiple awards and honors. Naheim continues to pursue his passion for athletics as an Athlete/Coach with the New Haven Age Group Track Club. He is also committed to making a positive impact on his community and has been a Youth Development Leader at the Boys & Girls Club in Milford, CT for several years.
Carly Rothschild, 2026
Carly is a Sophomore from Bethesda, Maryland, majoring in community health with a minor in Spanish. On campus, she is a member of the Ex-college Board, club water polo, and a Tufts University Social Collective coordinator. In her free time, Carly enjoys live music, traveling, anything outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. She participated in SHAPE as a peer leader last year and is so excited to return as a coordinator to welcome students to the Tufts community!
Program Advisors
Peter Ciccarone
Assistant Director, Student Life & Orientation
Peter Ciccarone is an Assistant Director of Student Life for Orientation and First Year Experience at Tufts University. As a student affairs professional, Pete has spent his years in the field working with student leaders to leave their campuses better than they were when they arrived, through innovative programming, and intentional leadership. Pete received his bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Religious Studies at Stonehill College, before going onto study Higher Education, with a concentration in Spirituality, at Boston College. Peter could not be more excited to be a part of the Tufts’ community, as well as be an advisor to the SHAPE Pre-Orientation Program.
Kevin Kraft
Associate Dean of Students
Kevin Kraft is Associate Dean of Students. As a Student Life senior leader, Kevin is responsible for supervising departments and leading programs and initiatives designed to help students develop into engaged, ethical, and community-oriented leaders. From his 15 years’ experience working with students at all points in their personal development journey, Kevin has developed a philosophy of holistic student development and an appreciation for the transformative role that mentorship can have in someone’s life. Kevin has researched college student civic engagement and college student activism. Kevin co-authored a book chapter on the application of free speech to the college environment and has presented at national meetings on related topics. Kevin is thrilled to be advising SHAPE and looking forward to welcoming incoming students!
Contact Us
SHAPE
shape@tufts.edu | 617-627-3158