Are you looking for engaging experiential learning and leadership opportunities for Fall semester?  Consider taking a LINC service-learning course to gain practical skills for your future career while making a positive impact in the community.  For inquiries about the following LINC courses, contact Valeri Werpetinski (werpetin@illinois.edu).

1)            Engineering for Social Justice Scholars Program

[Fall‘17] ENG 398: Special Topics Section SJS--Social Justice and STEM Education (4 credits; CRN: 67031). Meets W 3:00-4:50 p.m.

[Sp‘18] ENG 398: Special Topics Section LES--Leadership in Engineering for Social Justice (4 credits; CRN: 65401). Meets W 3:00-4:50 p.m.

The Engineering for Social Justice Scholars Program is a leadership initiative that includes a 2-semester service-learning course experience. Students apply engineering skills in STEM education outreach activities with underrepresented youth in Champaign (T or R 4:30-5:30) and create meaningful social action projects to support engineering for social justice. The courses include exploration of a range of topics related to social justice and engineering, including structural oppression and inequalities in schooling, the impact of racial and ethnic disparities in STEM education, human-centered design and appropriate technology, sustainable community development, and history, culture, and politics in engineering. The ESJ Scholars Program is a 2-semester commitment. Courses count toward College of Engineering Liberal Education Electives & Technical Electives for the ILEE Degree.

Requires application and interview--Apply NOW for the Fa’17/Sp’18 program! Interviews are rolling: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/5205718   

2)            STEM Education Practicum

ENG 298: Special Topics Section SEP (2 credits; CRN: 69674). Meets R 3:30-4:50 p.m.

In this service-learning course, students engage with diverse middle school students from Chicago Public Schools as part of the ICANEXSEL (Illinois-ChiS&E Alliance for Nurturing Excellence in STEM Education and Leadership) program. The outreach program includes hands-on activities, experiments, and engaging math and science lessons and will be held at the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. Students must be available to facilitate several (4-5) Saturday sessions under the mentorship of Chicago teachers (transportation to/from Chicago will be provided). The course includes discussion of topics related to STEM education, curriculum review, and reflection on the fieldwork experiences.

3)            Design Thinking for Social Innovation in South Africa

ENG 398: Special Topics Section DTS (3 credits; CRN: 69673). Meets T R 12:30-1:50 p.m. [2nd 8-week course plus Winter Study Tour in Cape Town]

This 2nd 8-week service-learning course explores topics related to social innovation and sustainable development in contemporary South Africa. Through case studies, discussion, and interactive activities, students will develop skills in the application of design thinking for social innovation and gain a deeper understanding of the role of engineering in social innovation. Students will work with community partners in Cape Town, South Africa to conceptualize and develop projects that can address genuine social, economic, environmental and/or technical problems of interest to community stakeholders.

The course includes a faculty-led trip to Cape Town during winter intersession (tentative dates: 12/26/17-1/14/18), in which students engage in short-term service-learning internships with nonprofit partners in work related to conservation, environmental sustainability, and community development. Students can expect to enhance their communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and intercultural skills while learning with and from community partners. Educational and cultural excursions will be included as well as opportunities to learn more about the work of social innovators in Khayelitsha Township. Travel costs paid separately. Students may be eligible for IPENG Travel Fellowships (Nov. 1 deadline) and I4I Study Abroad Scholarships (Sept. 15 deadline).

Application deadline: October 5, 2017 via studyabroad.illinois.edu

Thanks to Valeri Werpetinski for of Learning in Community for this information item.