Across campus, both individual professors and teams of faculty have developed intensive CSL programs that engage students in meaningful community-based work. While some programs are concentrated into a single semester, others span multiple semesters. All operate with the support of student leadership.
Examples:
- Students in the two-year Citizen Scholars Program develop the knowledge and skills to be active and effective citizens who work to advance social justice. Citizen Scholars complete a sequence of four 4-credit courses as well as an elective. Through both formal and informal structures, students claim a role in the program's governance.
- Students enrolled in the course Grassroots Community Development partner with grassroots organizations to study the ways in which organizations use local knowledge and assets to address community issues. As an Alternative Spring Break program, students spend the beginning of the semester learning about grassroots organizations and preparing for their immersion in another community. During spring break, students travel to spend the week working alongside community members and then return to reflect on what—for many—is a transformative experience. Students take a lead role in facilitating all elements of this program.
