Want to work with community partners to help create change?
Enroll in the Community Impact Residency
(CSPL 290 and CSPL 291)
The Community Impact Residency brings together Wesleyan students interested in the practice of civic engagement and a cross-section of community stakeholders – local leaders, resident-led groups, nonprofits, and municipal government – committed to creating just equitable, and sustainable communities.
Student participants of this program enroll in two 1 credit courses (CSPL290 and CSPL291) and are assigned a project which they support for the duration of the academic year. Student actively learn about partners’ work and participate in select public events, while playing a critical role in supporting projects identified by community partners. Students attend regular class meetings where they participate in discussions about readings and reflections on their experience, and engage occasional guest speakers. This course is POI and requires that students participate in both the fall and spring sections of the course. All interested students must complete this application by September 6th; a drop-in open house will be held on September 5th (details forthcoming). Space for the course is limited and enrollments decision will be made on a rolling basis. Apply today!
Key Program Components
- Participating students will be enrolled in a 1 credit course in the fall and spring semesters. In addition to meeting the demands of supporting partners’ work, students will meet twice per month with their larger cohort to participate in discussions about readings and reflections on their experience and engage occasional guest speakers. Students will be expected to dedicate a minimum of 8 hours per month to work on partner projects.
- See some of the projects student have supported here.
Student Expectations
- Full engagement in class and “practice” component of the Community Impact Residency.
- Students are expected to abide by the Cardinal Community Commitment – they will take the time to get familiar with their organization, practice ongoing self-reflection, embrace a spirit of humility, and be an adaptable collaborator.
- Students will share their learnings at the Allbritton End of Year Open House.
The Community Impact Residency is coordinated by the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships, while CSPL290 and CSPL291 are taught by Clifton Watson, Director of the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships.
Jennifer Kleindienst (she/her)
Sustainability Director