In celebration of service-learning partnerships and projects completed over the past academic year, the Center for Service-Learning will host its sixth annual Service-Learning Symposium. The symposium will be held on Monday, April 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Southeast Georgia Conference Center. The event is open to the public.
The Center for Service-Learning at the College of Coastal Georgia advocates excellence in scholarship and community engagement. Service-learning is a combination of academic course content and relevant community service projects that allow students to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in the classroom out in the community. From nursing students hosting a maternal-newborn health fair at the Glynn Place Mall, to student teacher education candidates working in an afterschool program at Goodyear Elementary School, to culinary students participating in a cook-off contest only using ingredients found at America’s Second Harvest food bank while raising funds for America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, service-learning plays an integral part in connecting the College with the community.
The symposium is an opportunity for students, faculty, and community partners to discuss how service-learning projects and research directly impacted the Brunswick-Golden Isles community. The community is invited to learn about the broad spectrum of service-learning activities, and the ways in which students and faculty are working to address community needs.
“‘Excellence in scholarship and community engagement’ is written into the mission statement of the College,” said Interim President Meg Amstutz. “Our service-learning program is grounded in a sincere commitment to educating not just good scholars but also good citizens. In addition, it recognizes the power of the practical application of knowledge to create robust learning experiences.”
The symposium will feature an Excellence in Service-Learning Award ceremony and Poster Showcase. The award ceremony will recognize outstanding students, faculty, and community partners for their commitment to service-learning. At the Poster Showcase, some of the 226 students and faculty members who participated in service-learning projects this year will discuss their service-learning experiences. There will also be a Community Partner Exposition where attendees can learn about the local organizations that partnered with service-learning projects.
“Recognizing service-learning work is important because it shows students and the community the power of collaboration. Through service-learning, students able to demonstrate the successful use of knowledge and practical skills to address community problems,” said Cody Cocchi, associate director of service-learning. “The Service-Learning Symposium celebrates partnerships between students, faculty, and community agencies that are important but often go unnoticed.”