Community Based Learning

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with a panel of colleagues at the Indiana Campus Compact (ICC) Service Engagement Summit in Indianapolis. I first worked with ICC when I was at Indiana University South Bend when I was selected for their Service Learning Director Fellowship. I worked at the time to set up service learning programs, courses and start the alternative breaks program. After leaving IUSB I then worked to start similar activities for Ivy Tech Community College and was able to hold an alternative break program there as well.

The presentation at the conference was about the Community Based Learning program that is run out of the Center for Social Concerns office at the University of Notre Dame. I am serving as a Community Based Learning Coordinator and our talk was about the important details that have made the program so impactful in the South Bend community.

It was a fun presentation, talking about something we were all passionate about to a group that genuinely want to improve their programs. It is great to know our program is considered a best practice. It was nice be with like minded people for a couple days and I learned a ton from other workshops and sessions. I brought back a lot of notes for program improvements and staff ideas for my community center.