Student Bridges Community Service Learning Course: “Learning through Community Engagement”

Fall 2012 & Spring 2013
SRVC LRNG 293 – Gen Ed’s: I(Interdisciplinary) & U (US Diversity)
4 credits/each semester – space limited so apply now!

Meeting Times: Tuesdays 7 PM – 9 PM: Plus participation in a community service learning team and day-long orientations to the city of Holyoke, in September and February or the city of Springfield (dates are all temporary and could change).

Description

This two-semester course examines how race, class and a variety of historical forces shape students’ access to quality education. We look at issues of racism and inequality in educational systems, and explore how standardized testing, the dismantling of affirmative action, and rising costs have affected college access for many low-income, first-generation, and students of color. In the spring, students apply their understanding to an educational issue of choice to research for and develop a project or initiative. Students are required to participate in a community service learning (CSL) team, where you will work with students from Holyoke or Springfield programs or schools once or twice a week during one of the following times:

•  Team I: Mondays & Wednesdays 9am – 1:15pm (+Additional Events):Tutor-mentor middle school students at Peck School to support their academic preparation and success. (Holyoke)

• Team II: Mondays & Wednesdays 9am – 1:15pm (+Additional Events): Tutor-mentor middle school students at Peck School to support their academic preparation and success. (Holyoke)

• Team III: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am to 12:45pm: Tutor-mentor middle school students at Peck School to support their academic preparation and success. (Holyoke)

• Team IV: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30- 6:30pm: Tutor-mentor middle school students at the CHOICES-STEP after school program. (Holyoke)

• Team V: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30pm – 6:30 pm: Tutor-mentor middle school students at the CHOICES-STEP after school program. (Holyoke)

• Team VI: Two mornings per week/ 9 am -1230 pm (+Additional Commitments): College Access Workshops with High School Students (Springfield)

• Team VII: Afterschool Monday/Wednesday estimated time 3:00-6:30 pm: Tutor-mentor middle school students and implement Science, Engineering and Technology material to the South End Community Center after school program. (Springfield)

• Team VIII: Afterschool Tuesday/ Thursday estimated time 3:00-6:30 pm: Tutor-mentor middle school students and implement Science, Engineering and Technology material to the New North Citizens’ Council after school program. (Springfield)

• Independent Study / Internship: I am unable to do any of the above teams and/or to attend the Tuesday night class. However, I am interested in arranging an individualized internship through Student Bridges