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Boston, MA – February 6, 2007 – Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Center for Community and Learning Partnerships (CCLP) recognizes several milestones and achievements since its opening in the fall of 2005. Created to centralize community service, service learning, and community outreach initiatives, the CCLP facilitates creative activities and programs that address community interest while enhancing educational experiences. The primary and long-term goal of the CCLP is to advance the school and community relationship, while providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities which benefit the community.
The following accomplishments were achieved during the CCLP’s first year:
- Students contributed more than 53,000 service hours, which is double that of the previous academic year. Activities included work study, volunteering, scholarship for service, and service-learning projects.
- Seventeen faculty members engaged in 23 different projects.
- The Boston Healthcare and Research Training Institute program was hosted by the CCLP, engaging 50 participants. This program taught career development to Boston residents and provided access and training in healthcare, job research, and job readiness.
- The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a free service, helped over 150 area residents prepare personal income taxes.
- Open-Lab was launched to provide residents with walk-in access to the CCLP’s computers and the Internet, with staff available to help.
- After-school programs taught high school students computer related classes in desktop publishing and Web development.
- Managed the following service learning projects: launched a WiFi initiative to provide wireless access to the Mission Hill community; evaluated the business district on Roslindale’s Main Street and developed design proposals to address different zoning regulations; completed a market research study for Mission Hill’s Main Street; and conducted a system wide assessment for 46 local community centers.
“Building on the successes and momentum of the past year, we are looking forward to new opportunities to strengthen service-learning and its impact on students, faculty, and the community,” said Sean Bender, Director of the Center for Community and Learning Partnerships. “This hands-on approach to service learning adds a valuable dimension to the students’ learning experience.”
To continue its success, the CCLP is looking ahead at future goals including:
- Offering formalized recognition for students involved with volunteer work, work-study programs, co-op experiences, and service learning projects.
- Increasing the number of students and faculty in community initiatives.
- Enhancing the lifecycle of service learning projects by improving processes to support faculty and students from the concept stage through planning, execution, and assessment.
- Ensuring academic and output quality and continuity.
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology is an independent, co-educational nationally ranked institution offering career-focused education through 15 bachelor degree programs in areas such as architecture, computer science, construction management, design, engineering, engineering technology and management of technology. For over a century, Wentworth Institute of Technology has been a leader in technical education known for its academic excellence, community service and support for the economic growth of the region. For more information, please visit www.wit.edu. |
