Students will begin their exploration during orientation sessions, which will examine current legislation and insights from educators and children's advocates. Visits with both children and program administrators will enable participants to experience first-hand the realities of growing up in poverty. Following the week-long immersion, students will have the opportunity to reflect upon their experiences through facilitated discussions centered around local children's organizations. To provide opportunities for students to examine social contexts of children's issues and related policy matters through contact with agencies, schools and related organizations. To develop a community of leaders focused on children's issues that will contribute to campus awareness through partnerships with existing service groups and the organization of campus-wide events such as speakers or immersions in South Bend.
All requirements are to be completed before Thanksgiving Break.
The student must attend and participate in all required orientation and follow-up classes. Students must obtain prior permission for an absence from the Coordinator. During the experience, students will be asked to keep both a personal journal and a group journal, and to submit group journal entries after completion of the seminar. Students are required to write a 5 to 6 page reflection paper following the service experience. Please see paper guidelines for more information.