Civic and Community Engagement

Through numerous divisions and departments, MWCC fosters increased civic and community responsibility among its students, faculty, staff and the greater community. Various programs provide opportunities for the college community and beyond to “make a difference.” Programming is generally provided through targeted grant initiatives, and many of the events/activities are housed within or supported by the Center for Democracy and Humanity. The success of the civic and community engagement movement is a result of collaborative efforts with local and state leadership in the public, nonprofit and business sectors. The Center for Democracy & Humanity staff acts as a liaison between the college and the community in support of these efforts. The ultimate purpose of working together with faculty, staff, students and community partners is to enhance academic culture, address community issues and act as agents of positive social change.

At MWCC, community engagement and tangible work experiences open the doors to greater career development and future opportunities. Often referred to as “experiential learning”, such knowledge and skills are a valued component to a student’s overall learning experience at MWCC. Community-based internships, co-ops and service learning are one vehicle by which students can participate. Grounded within an academic discipline, students provide assistance in the community while at the same time, reinforcing what they have learned in the classroom. For more information on the various programs available, please call 978- 630-9435 or visit the center’s website at: www.mwccconnects.us

Programming offered includes:

Service Learning

Service Learning programs are driven by faculty and are opportunities for students to benefit from hands-on learning while volunteering much needed assistance in our communities. Service learning differs from general community and/or volunteerism in that students receive partial course credit for their efforts, and, because the service experience is closely tied to the learning objectives of the classroom. Students who complete 20+ hours of service learning are awarded a commemorative pin; students who complete 40+ hours of service learning are awarded a service medallion to wear at graduation. All service learning performed is cumulative over time as a student at MWCC and is recorded on student transcripts. For more information, speak to your instructor.

Service-Based Internships

A number of academic disciplines provide the opportunity for students to engage in an internship, many of which are community-based in nature. Service-based internships are an opportunity for students to enhance their academic knowledge with practical hands-on experience in their chosen field while also making an impact in the community. In addition, students are able to forge connections and network within the community prior to graduation. Students may earn 3 academic credits, and are required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of service with 30 hours of classroom/training for a total of 150 hours over a semester. Work performance is assessed by their site supervisor, submitted on a performance evaluation at the end of the semester. Grades are determined, in part, by student progress in completing measureable objectives written in conjunction with their site supervisor. Students are required to attend an orientation, and a series of seminars designed to enhance their educational work experience by addressing a variety of professional issues. MWCC reserves the right to issue a failing grade to any student who does not successfully complete any component of his/her internship experience.

All internship students are expected to participate in their placement search and, when employed, conduct themselves in a professional manner and comply with agency/organization policies and state and federal laws. For more information, call 978-630-9595 or speak to your advisor.

AmeriCorps Job Ready Program

The AmeriCorps Job Ready Project places 15 full-time AmeriCorps members at 12 community sites throughout the region to increase career awareness, job readiness and career exploration skills of north central Massachusetts residents. This program, provided in partnership with Fitchburg State University, addresses the region’s high unemployment rate through job preparedness and career exploration activities designed to assist three distinct target populations: high school and middle school students; college students and alumni; and the economically disadvantaged unemployed, those who are underemployed, and dislocated workers. Recent graduates and current students are encouraged to apply to become an AmeriCorps Member, each of whom dedicates 1,700 hours of service to the community. A volunteer stipend is provided, as well as a great deal of professional development training and a Siegel Education Award upon program completion. For more information, call 978-630-9219 or visit: www.mwccconnects.us/americorpsjobready. This program is funded in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Massachusetts Service Alliance.

United Way Youth Venture

United Way Youth Venture of North Central Massachusetts is unique collaborative partnership among the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Mount Wachusett Community College and Ashoka’s Youth Venture with the goal of reaching not just the gifted and talented, but all youth in our community. United Way Youth Venture invests in young people ages 12-20 to launch a community-benefiting club, organization or business – a Venture. Youth are encouraged to identify a problem in their community and fix it by pairing it with a passion of their own – allowing them to see that community service is not a chore. Each Team of emerging leaders is provided with up to $1,000 in seed funding through a competitive process. Participants and community partners are provided continual guidance and support as they turn ideas into reality. The program currently partners with more than 15 schools and 5 community-based organizations in North Central Massachusetts, and has more than 1,500 participants annually. This program serves as the national model for United Way Youth Venture, and has been replicated in nearly 20 communities across the country. For more information about how to start a Venture or to volunteer to support youth in the program, call 978-630-9201 or visit: www.mwccconnects.us/uwyv

Democracy Project

Founded by former Massachusetts State Representative and MWCC Trustee Ray LaFontaine, this program is designed to engage students, faculty and staff in civic learning and the democratic process. Through various means, participants explore the issues, personalities and community impact of campaigns, elections and the passage of laws. The purpose of the program is to provide every graduate of MWCC with an education in democracy.

What’s Next? Speaker Series

Born out of a plan to bring notable experts in the field of social change under a single theme, hundreds of residents have attended the What’s Next? Speaker Series–public forums that introduce students, residents, community leaders and decision-makers in north central Massachusetts to innovative thinkers and doers from around the country and world. The goal of the series is to show change is possible, spark creative problem-solving and inspire action. All sessions are free and open to the public.

The Institute for Nonprofit Development

The Institute for Nonprofit Development (INPD) supports organizations to strengthen their capacity to fulfill their missions and impact their communities. The INPD provides training, technical assistance, resources and student support to nonprofits serving in the region.

Community Service and Volunteerism

As the catalyst that sparks greater community involvement, service and volunteerism are at the core of the civic engagement movement within the college. In collaboration with Student Life and other organizations and groups both on and off campus, service opportunities are offered for community-minded individuals and groups each year. The Center assists in connecting interested individuals or groups with nonprofits in the region looking for support and/or volunteerism. What better way to make a difference in people’s lives than to give of your time and talent