I helped coordinate a college visit to UMBC for Overlea high school students. My contribution to this service project was the planning of the event, hosting of 10th grade student sessions, and creating a unique mapping activity. This mapping activity allowed students to reflect upon their past academic/non-academic history and interests. Then, students were encouraged to map out their future and ask questions to college student panelists.
The development of this mapping activity resonates with advance personalized learning. Students use their interests and reflections to tailor and personalize their learning (link to my Grand Challenge)
Grand Challenge: Advance Personalized Learning Experience Level: Bronze Time Commitment: 15 hours
Personal Reflection: This project taught me about my ability to tailor a high school student college visit to their benefit. In addition to understanding more about UMBC, this experience allowed students to map out what they want to do and how they would like to accomplish their goals. This goes beyond traditional campus visits, by providing high school students with career support and college student advice. This project required a great deal of collaboration among team members, as it was completely student driven. Leaving student with ideas to accomplish their goals taught me the value of service. I intend to participate in similar community service events in my career.
Program-Wide Learning Objectives:
Integrity - N/A
Perspectivism - gained high school student perspective on college and their careers
Realistic Vision - we had to come up with a realistic plan for students within limited 3 hour time frame
Teamwork - worked with several students to organize event
Persistence - admist administrative troubles to make event happen, we worked to make sure the event was successful
Flexibility - being flexible with team members
Service Learning Objectives:
Community Engagement - We engaged with high schoolers from Overlea high school, building connection between UMBC and the greater Baltimore community.
Civic Agency - Civic agency is an idea of empowerment to work collaboratively through barriers and different ideologies. This service experience breaks down the idea that only campus administrators/facilitators can host and empower high school students to go to college (university campus tours, etc.). Instead, students can play an active role in empowering students to attend college.
Capacity for Reflection - Upon service completion, the team engaged in conversations of how to make this event better and directions for future organizers.
Commitment - I attended several important meetings throughout the fall semester to make it happen.