Announcements and News
College Corps @ The Beach changes students' lives, one paid internship at a time
College Corps @ The Beach is more than just a typical internship, it can help students turn their academic passions into real-world community impact. By placing students in nonprofits and public agencies, the program helps participants develop skills that can be used in the future. For a lot of students, this program not only helps remove financial obstacles, but also allows them to lead projects for communities around them that make real change. Brandon Contreras, one of many students who have joined College Corps @ The Beach, was able to turn his passion for geography and the environment to eventually become a Waste Diversion & Recycling Specialist for the Ƶ Environmental Services Bureau. As a first-generation student, he was able to build skills, generate confidence and also get ready for life after graduation during the time in the program. College Corps ultimately empowers a new generation of leaders to make a difference in their communities and the future.
College Corps Recruitment
Cohort 4 recruitment is open and priority application deadline is Monday, April 14th. To learn more about the program, check out the College Corps Website
SL Faculty Curriculum Design Workshops
We are thrilled to kick off a new Spring 2025 Service-Learning Curriculum Design series for all faculty interested in service-learning opportunities for your courses.
Service Learning Annual Report
As we reflect on the past year, we are delighted to share the remarkable achievements and highlights of our Service Learning Program.
CCE Inaugural Advisory board meeting
Our first Advisory Board will be taking place February 28th. We look forward to continuing to build together and advance our university’s vision and mission around community.
Social Mobility Symposium
Through authentic partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, LBCIP and College Corps@ the Beach offer students the chance to...
Connecting @ the Beach
Mark your calendars for March 6th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, as the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) hosts an exciting Connecting at the Beach Event!
Spring 2024 Service Learning Recap
The spring 2024 semester has ended and the following is a snapshot of the service learning program. The semester was a success with 8,000 service hours logged. The students that participated gained valuable skills such as problem solving and teamwork. They also made a lasting impact on the community. Overall, the spring 2024 service learning program was a resounding success. This was due to the assistance of 157 active community partners dedicated to making a lasting impact on the community. The community partners were an invaluable asset and without their help, the program would not have been as successful. Thank you to all participants for another successful semester!
Year End Showcase
On May 10th, the CCE Service Learning team hosted our first SL Showcase and Award Ceremony at the Ngai Alumni Center. The celebration highlighted impactful projects by Beach students and community partners through vibrant presentations, displays, and videos. Special guests included ƵPresident Conoley and Dr. Kerry Johnson, who expressed their gratitude and support for these transformative initiatives. The transformative initiatives showcased at the SL Showcase and Award Ceremony demonstrated the power of service learning in creating positive change within the community. From environmental conservation projects to mentorship programs, these initiatives not only benefited the individuals involved but also had a lasting impact on the wider community.
Spring 2024 Service Learning Curriculum Design
We are happy to announce that we certified two new courses this spring semester as part of our Service Learning Curriculum Design grant program. Our faculty, trained in innovative educational practices, have developed these courses to highlight our commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.
Professor Zakiya Atkinson
Department: Dance
Course: New Study Abroad Course in Arts Education and Social Practice
We are thrilled to announce that Zakiya Atkinson from the Dance Department has been awarded a Service Learning Curriculum Design grant to create an innovative study abroad course. This course will immerse students in South African communities, offering an experiential learning experience that combines arts education with social practice. Professor Atkinson's course will explore interdisciplinary approaches, integrating artistic, cultural, and inclusive practices. Students will gain a deep understanding of South Africa’s history and sociocultural norms while learning how arts-based engagement can drive social change. They will collaborate with NGOs, local artists, and community members to create arts-based workshops, fostering meaningful relationships and ethical community engagement. This course promises to be an enriching journey, bridging performing arts, visual arts, liberal studies, and education pathways. This course will be offered in Summer 2025.
Professor Ann Thuy-Ling Tran
Department: Asian & Asian American Studies
Course: ASAM 121: Contemporary Issues in Asian America: Intergenerational Trauma and Community Healing
Dr. Ann Thuy-Ling Tran from the Asian American Studies Department has received a Service Learning Curriculum Design grant for the course ASAM 121: Contemporary Issues in Asian America: Intergenerational Trauma and Community Healing. Dr. Tran has designed a course focusing on contemporary issues within Asian American communities in Orange County and Los Angeles County. Specifically, students will explore how mental health issues, such as behavioral and drug addictions—often invisible obstacles experienced by Asian American youth—result from ethnic stratification and U.S. racialization processes.
Students will engage in service learning with local nonprofit organizations that serve Asian American youth to understand how historical marginalization, model minority stereotypes, and the triangulation of Asian Americans pervade interpersonal, familial, and community relationships. They will learn about how these issues are addressed by community organizations and resources and gain experience working directly with community members and organizations through observational hours, interviews with community organizers, and event programming with community organizations. This course will be offered in Spring 2025.
E. James Brotman Community Service Endowment
This spring and summer, the E. James Brotman Community Service Endowment has awarded scholarships to 110 students, totaling $113,900. Through collaborations with the Center for Community Engagement and local organizations, our program supports STEM-related internships that promote equity, access, and inclusion. These scholarships not only enhance student experiences but also foster meaningful community partnerships. We remain committed to assessing and improving our programs to maximize their impact on both students and the community.
The E. James Brotman Community Service Endowment supported four scholarship programs in the Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 semesters. Leveraging the infrastructure created by the Center for Community Engagement, Academic Internships Office, and the Ƶ Community Internship Program, we provided 97 students with scholarships in spring 2024 and plan to award 13 additional scholarships in summer 2024. The funds are used to enhance equitable access to paid student internships and community engagement programs doing STEM related work in the community. To date, a total of $113,900 has been awarded. View .
The Ƶ Community Internship Program (LBCIP), established in 2021, has connected 155 Ƶjuniors and seniors—95% Students of Color and 80% first-generation college students—with over 60 local organizations, completing over 16,000 hours of work and contributing $580,000 in labor to the community, while offering professional development and $2,000 participation awards thanks to generous donors. The long-term effects of the LBCIP are promising for the community. By connecting students with local organizations, the program not only provides valuable work experience but also fosters a sense of civic engagement and community pride. As these students graduate and enter the workforce, they will bring their skills and passion back to their communities, contributing to the growth and development of Ƶ for years to come.
Fall 2023 Service Learning Recap
As we reflect on the past semester, we are delighted to share the remarkable achievements and highlights of our Fall 2023 Service Learning Program. This semester has been a testament to the dedication and commitment of our students, partners, and the entire community.
We offered a diverse range of 21 service learning sections, providing students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects across various disciplines.
A total of 355 students enthusiastically enrolled in service learning courses, showcasing their eagerness to make a positive impact on the world.
Many of our students went above and beyond by working with more than one partner, resulting in an impressive 359 service learning placements. This demonstrates their willingness to immerse themselves in service. We are incredibly grateful for our 147 service learning partners who collaborated with us to provide valuable opportunities for our students to learn and serve. The cumulative effort of our students and partners led to a staggering 6956 service learning hours reported by the end of the semester. This number speaks volumes about the collective dedication to service within our community.
We are immensely proud of what we've achieved together in the Fall 2023 Service Learning Program. It's a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and the commitment to creating a better future.
Thank you to all the students, partners, and supporters who made this semester a resounding success. Let's continue to work together to make a positive impact in the upcoming semester and beyond.
LBCIP Spring 2024 Cohort
This spring, the Ƶ Community Internship Program will host a STEM-focused cohort of students. 31 students will be interning at various STEM related organizations, including, The City of Ƶ Department of Health & Human Services, Aquarium of the Pacific, The MOORE Institute for Plastic Pollution and Research, DemoChicks, Shared Science, and more! Visit the LBCIP site for more information.
Piloting Micro-Internships
The AIO will be collaborating with two service learning courses, Community Nutrition (NUTR 461) and Conservation Biology (BIO 459), to pilot a micro-internships program. Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, project-based professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. Students enrolled in these courses will be able to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks as they develop competencies to be career ready.
Upcoming College Corps Applications
College Corps will begin recruiting for Cohort 3 (fall 2024 - spring 2025) this semester. Visit the College Corps website to check when applications will open and for more information about the program.
Spring Open House
Don't Miss Out on Our Spring Fling Open House Event!
Mark your calendars for March 20th – 21st, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, as the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) hosts an exciting Spring Fling Open House Event! Find us in the grass area in front of the Academic Services (AS) Building (Near CLA Admin Building) for a relaxing experience.
Take advantage of complimentary snacks and midterm kits, participate in stress-relief activities, and witness live planting demonstrations to help you decompress. Plus, don't forget about our big giveaways featuring Apple, JBL, and Tile product
The Department of Anthropology developed four, new Service Learning (SL) courses this Fall. Drs. Kara Miller, Karen Quintiliani, and Scott Wilson developed new SL courses in…Medical Technologies & Human Bodies (ANTH 155), Urban Anthropology (ANTH 416/516), Historical Ethnography (ANTH 428/528), and New Media Ethnography (ANTH 431/531), respectively. These courses are designed not only to impart knowledge but also to inspire action and community engagement. By weaving community involvement throughout the curriculum, the Department of Anthropology is not only educating the minds of its students but also nurturing compassionate citizens committed to positive societal change. These courses reflect a commitment to academic excellence and community betterment, and we can't wait to see the transformative experiences they offer to students and the impact and success stories that emerge from these pioneering courses. In these courses students will have a wide-range of opportunities to: gain hands-on experience; address real-world health disparities and local challenges while collaborating with organizations dedicated to making a difference; enrich their understanding and engage directly with local community organizations; collaborate with Ƶ community partners on research projects that construct inclusive community narratives; and receive hands-on training in applied visual anthropology, enabling them to create media products that contribute to community betterment. If you are interested in teaching and/or developing a new SL course, reach out to us at CCE-SL@csulb.edu.
The Academic Internships Office kicked off the semester with the 2nd Annual Internship Jamboree, which brought together 150+ students, faculty, administrators, staff, and community partners... at the Earl Burns Japanese Garden to celebrate the equity-anchored, high-impact internship programs across campus. This year, 63 College Corps interns from 6 colleges are completing 450 service hours with 45 community partners and 17 LBCIP student interns, across 8 majors are working with 15 Ƶ based community organizations. Through a generous donation from President Conoley and the E. James Brotman Community Service Endowment Funding, we will be expanding paid internship opportunities in Spring 2024, hosting a STEM focused LBCIP cohort of student interns, piloting micro-internships with two certified service-learning courses, offering scholarships to students completing unpaid STEM-related internships, and scholarships to students completing STEM-related internships and community service projects to offset the costs of purchasing equipment. Through this donation, we will expand academic internship opportunities to 100+ additional Ƶstudents.
Community Leaders from six, local community organizations participated in, “The State of Community Policy Advocacy & Organizing in Ƶ”... policy convening. The purpose of the panel discussion was to identify concrete ways for our campus community to be more involved in local policy work, and to strengthen our partnerships with local community-based organizations. Community leaders from Ƶ Forward, KGA, Sunrise Ƶ, ORALE, CFJ, and LIBRE shared critical aspects of the work their respective organizations are advancing and highlighted key examples of opportunities for Ƶstudents, faculty and staff to be directly involved in these efforts (e.g. community-based action and participatory research as well as community-based learning opportunities like Services Learning and Academic Internships). Those in attendance took away concrete examples on how our campus community can become more involved in positively impacting our surrounding communities. We greatly appreciated local community leaders representing their respective organizations and communities, and sharing their policy insights with our campus community at large.
Academic Year Highlights
The CCE celebrated so many accomplishments and successes this past year. We welcomed three CCE Team members to new roles; giving our center increased capacity to better serve students, and campus and community stakeholders. We held our Internships Jamboree in the Fall and Service Learning End of Year Showcase this Spring. We hosted over 50 community partners at our Connecting @ The Beach campus-community convenings; co-hosted the Ƶ Latino Economic Roundtable; and partnered with Academic Affairs’ Inclusive Excellence Collective for our campus’s first TRHT community convening with Best Start Central Ƶ. We increased our campus’s use of S4 @ The Beach; our online platform for tracking High Impact Practices. We constituted a new CCE Advisory Board to help guide our center’s efforts. We strengthened our Service Learning and Academic Internships programming (check out our End of Year Reports on page 2). Our center helped to shepherd the adoption of our campus’s Academic Internships Policy through the Academic Senate in the Fall, and we helped to develop three new Service Learning courses in Chicano & Latino Studies and Journalism & Public Relations. Thank you to everyone for making all the successes from this past year possible! In particular, thank you to our community partners for providing so many opportunities for students and our campus to engage, thrive, and partner! Because of these efforts, we developed a new CCE Community Partnerships Cycle, and Best Practices Guide to High Impact Partnerships as well as a student-created CCE Story Map.
Introduction of the ƵPolicy for Service Learning
The Cal State Ƶ Policy on Service Learning, Policy Number 19-13, was passed by the Academic Senate and became effective on November 5, 2019.
"This policy establishes guidance on Service Learning (SL) for the entire campus. It addresses the approval process and the role of the Center for Community Engagement (CCE). This policy does not apply to teacher preparation placements or clinical placements in professional programs."
The policy sets forth the minimum requirements for a course to be certified as a service learning course. All existing and future service learning courses will be reviewed by the Center for Community Engagement and should reflect the definition of service learning and incorporate the requirements as described within the policy in order to receive certification.
For the full text of the policy, please go to the ƵPolicy on Service Learning (19-13).
Community Partner Spotlight: Ƶ Grey Panthers
In June 2023, the Ƶ Grey Panthers received Workforce innovation award for their Internship Leadership Program from LA County’s Los Angeles Alliance for Community Health & Aging (LAACHA).
Archives
Mayor Rex Richardson paid a visit to the Center for Community Engagement, where he heard from students (via video) and Executive Director Dr. Juan Benitez about how the center prepares Beach students for jobs in the community through service learning.
Service learning emphasizes learning through community service activities fundamental to course outcomes and benefits students as well as community partners by promoting sustainable campus-community relationships.
To that end, Richardson said he hopes to have a program in place soon that would bring together neighbors to discuss the challenges that face the city.
