The summer is the perfect time to start planning for a fall service-learning course. The Office of Civic Engagement offers several programs to assist faculty in developing service-learning courses. First, the AmeriCorps*VISTA Service-Learning Coordinator is able to offer one-on-one assistance with finding community partners, developing your service-learning project and working through project logistics. They have access to over 200 potential community partners and would be more than happy to help you find a community organization whose needs match your course and project objectives. For general information about service-learning at Towson, visit {http://www.towson.edu/studentaffairs/civicengagement/ServiceLearning.asp}.
Second, The Office of Civic Engagement offers a Service-Learning Grant Opportunity to enhance existing or new service-learning courses. Complete guidelines can be found at {http://www.towson.edu/studentaffairs/civicengagement/GrantGuidelines.asp}. Applications should request funding for a fall 2009 or spring 2010 service-learning course.
Finally, the Service-Learning Faculty Fellows program is accepting faculty who are new to service-learning and would like to learn how to incorporate service-learning into a new or existing course. Service-Learning Faculty Fellows receive a small stipend and meet on a monthly basis to develop and then implement service-learning courses. Faculty who are new to service-learning will have an opportunity to learn from more experienced faculty and will be expected to incorporate service-learning.
Please contact Corinne DeRoberts at {cderoberts@towson.edu} or x4-2806 if you are interested in or have questions about any of the opportunities outlined above. I look forward to working with you!
