***I have pictures and more to add in the coming 24 hours***  Good work Scott and Amanda

Case Study: Service Learner Program for CSUMB Students

School: California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB)

Partner Organization: The First Tee of Monterey County (TFTMC), 403(c) Non-Profit

Duration: One Semester

Overview

In partnership with the The First Tee of Monterey County (TFTMC), California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), affords its students an opportunity to fulfill a service learner graduation requisite via service learning at the provider's sight in Salinas, CA. The First Tee, a non-profit youth development organization, was founded in 1997, and opened its Monterey County chapter in 2004.

Guidelines

Each semester approximately 45 students choose The First Tee of Monterey County as their umbrella organization to complete their service learning requirement. In completing their requirement they have to meet the following criteria:

• Complete daily reflection journal
• Complete an oral review with professional staff member upon exiting the facility
• Complete 30 hours of service learning
• Complete a reflection paper upon completion of the semester

Purpose

In order to better unify the collegiate service learners with their respective communities, The First Tee of Monterey County seeks to uphold consistent reviews of their connection to their organization. The reflection journals are a site requirement, not an overarching school requirement. The objective of these journals is to understand what they specifically did, who they specifically engaged with (staff or participant), and direction given to them by professional staff.

Learner Objectives

Learners are able to witness firsthand non-profit strategy, daily progressions, and participant relationships. The focus is primarily on the latter. Service learners are most frequently utilized in a mentorship/tutoring role. Staff assures that service learners have daily objectives, in order to prevent apathy or aversion. Daily assessments in a format known as “Good, Better, How”, include service learners with professional staff in reviewing the day from a positive vs. improvement perspective. The ultimate goal is for service learners to foster a linkage between themselves and their community, while recognizing empathy for those youth participants within the school district.

Pictures Forthcoming***