Service-Learning E-News Parkland College’s Bimonthly E-Newsletter on All Things Service-Learning
November 2007	Volume 2, Number 2
In This Issue · Celebration and Service-Learning · New Website (again!) · CSIT Service-Learning Center · Parkland College/Garden Hills Homework Club · ECO 102: A Closer Look “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” -- Margaret Mead Online Resources S-L Clearinghouse CU Volunteer Database Parkland College Service-Learning Website Share Your S-L Stories If you are involved in service-learning with Parkland students, please share your stories with the Parkland community by contacting Brian Nudelman Service-Learning Coordinator Brian Nudelman Office: C220 Phone: 351-2534 bnudelman@parkland.edu	Celebration and Service-Learning! One of several important steps towards successfully implement community service into academic learning is finding the time to celebrate, after our students' completion of service, the important work they do as members of our classes and organizations. Celebration is a way that recognizes and makes real the positive effects their work can have on the community. Thus, in addition to providing popcorn and Pepsi, why not also present your students with a classy certificate that highlights their work throughout the semester. Simply check in with the friendly folks at the Student Life Office (X161) to learn more, and help celebrate the important contributions our students make for our community. New Parkland Service-Learning Website (revised and updated!!) http://www.parkland.edu/academics/service-learning Designed to celebrate and support the volunteer and service-learning efforts of the Parkland community, the new (and improved) Parkland Service-Learning website not only highlights courses and programs utilizing service-learning, but also provides important resources and tools for faculty and college leaders to help in the creation of new and exciting service opportunities for our students. Take a look around, and help us help you, by providing any feedback or suggestions about the site. Send you suggestions to Brian Nudelman. New CSIT Service-Learning Center! This semester, the folks in the Computer Sciences and Information Technology department have launched their new Service-Leaning Center. At the Center, “CSIT students employ their education, skills, and hands-on training to provide IT support for non-profit organizations, non-commercial community projects, senior citizens, and disabled persons. In return, students gain experiential learning as they work closely with community clients to manage projects with “real-world” specifications and timeframes.” For more information, visit http://slc.csit.parkland.edu/ Announcing the Parkland College/Garden Hills Elementary School “Homework Club!” This semester, students and faculty of Parkland College have been working with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at a new afterschool program at Garden Hills Elementary, the "Homework Club."  The Club, a partnership between Parkland College and Champaign School District 4, currently meets two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), from 3:00-4:15, while our Parkland students have volunteered one day a week since the start of the fall semester, providing not only academic support to the Garden Hills kids, but also serving as important role-models.  As a result of our successes this semester, our primary goal in the spring semester is to expand the "Homework Club," with more Parkland students and faculty, working with more Garden Hills students.   For information about potentially connecting your class or club with the Garden Hills/Parkland College "Homework Club" next semester, please contact Brian Nudelman @ 351-2534.  ECO 102: A Closer Look at S-L in Economics This semester, several students in Lewis Metcalf’s Principles for Microeconomics course (ECO 102) volunteered at the Champaign County Nursing Home. Talking with residents at the home about the changing nature of the economy in the twentieth century, Lewis’s students were able to hear real- life stories of how the lives and lifestyles of Americans have changed greatly over the course of the past fifty years, while also providing the opportunity to the residents of the home to reflect and chat with young, interested adults. Great work Lewis!