S.O.U.L.S. Service Learning

Community-based organizations are seeking Suffolk faculty to collaborate on a variety of service learning projects for the Fall 2008 semester. Please browse the following project ideas that have been recently proposed by some of our partner organizations. New projects are always in the works, and ideas from faculty members are encouraged! Please contact Shirley Consuegra, Assistant Director of Service Learning, at sconsuegra@suffolk.edu or 617.305.6306 to discuss these project ideas or propose or seek other opportunities.

Continue Reading »

Incorporating Service-Learning into Teacher Education Curriculum

Massachusetts Campus Compact is pleased to offer grants to Education faculty interested in revising or developing courses to include service-learning pedagogy as a key component of undergraduate and graduate-level teacher instruction. Seven $1,500 grants will be awarded to faculty to develop or revise courses that will be offered during the spring 2009 semester. In addition to the grant awards, faculty will receive training and technical assistance related to service-learning practice and syllabus construction. This project, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education, is designed to increase the number of K-12 teachers who understand service-learning and use it in their classrooms.

Applications are due to Massachusetts Campus Compact by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2nd. Please consult the RFP for application requirements and details.

By Christine Denning, student

Boston, MA., March 17- Instead of starting their spring break vacation, a group of Suffolk University volunteers chose to make a difference in the Boston community. With the help of Heritage Apartments Resdent Services Coordinator, Caitlin Connolly, the students and staff set out to help beautify the property, home to nearly 300 residents. With paintbrushes in hand, the volunteers retouched the hallways of two buildings, creating a stunning new look throughout the complex. On their last day, March 17^th, the volunteers and residents celebrated by hosting an art show, complete with work from the Heritage art classes run by Suffolk volunteers Jerica Mikenas and Jenn Driscoll.

Residents who stopped by the show enjoyed a free breakfast along with artwork that had been supplied by 19 residents and staff. The show consisted of several works ranging from clay sculptures to painted canvas. The turnout was better than expected and everyone enjoyed seeing the art work on display. Many compliments were given to the volunteers on all the work that had been devoted to setting up the show. “It’s like an actual art show,” said Donna Tireno, a partaker in the event. Residents welcomed the volunteers and showed much gratitude towards everyone who helped with the project.

Although weather prohibited the painting of the outdoor murals, Suffolk will be back again in April to hopefully finish the project. Both residents and staff were thankful to have the volunteers dedicate their time to help make the Heritage Apartments a better place. “I had one resident come up to me and say, ‘This is the best thing that has happened to Heritage since I moved in 10 years ago,’” Connolly said. Residents, staff, and Suffolk all look forward to working with each other again in the future. A special thanks goes out to all those who helped make this event possible.

Suffolk volunteers and service learning students celebrate the art show opening with residents of the Boston Heritage Apartments.

Residents’ art work on display at Boston Heritage Apartments. Residents attended art classes led by Suffolk service learning students during the months leading up to the art show.

S.O.U.L.S. staff lead the student volunteers in a painting project.