UMass Dartmouth students performed more than 252,000 community service hours during the 2023-24 academic year, the university said, and now the community is giving back.

On Sept. 16, the university announced that they recently received $460,000 to support the Claire T. Carney Leaders Program Carney Fellowship, which celebrates collaboration and commitment to education and community service.

Funds came from the Carney Family Charitable Foundation, UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Emerita Jean F. MacCormack, Downey Family Fund and the MacLean Foundation.

The fellowship was named in honor of New Bedford native and former Trustee Claire T. Carney, UMass said.

The program focuses on developing student leaders who will emphasize effective collaboration with SouthCoast nonprofit partners to accomplish their learning and service goals, according to UMass. It also supports highly motivated students in good standing who have demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement that enhances their studies, lives and the community they serve.

The fellowship is available for sophomores, juniors and seniors who have demonstrated leadership potential and is renewable for three years.

“I am hopeful this program ignites that desire for UMD students to serve and give back to the community,” said Kate V. Carney, a Carney Family Charitable Foundation trustee.