C O L L E G E P A R K S C H O L A R S
Advocates for Children


Service-Learning
First-Year Colloquium, Fall 2000



Freshmen are required to participate in a Service-Learning activity this semester at an approved site. The amount of time commitment will vary depending on the site (see below). For sites that do not have a minimum commitment, we are expecting students to devote a minimum of twenty hours during the fall semester. (Some sites have their own time commitments that require more than 20 hours; students should adhere to their site requirements.) Completion of these hours accounts for 80% of the Service-Learning grade (the Service-Learning component of your colloquium grade).

10% of the Service-Learning grade is based upon a journal that the students will keep throughout the semester. This journal is intended as a place for students to reflect, question, and record their experiences. Students are free to use their journals as a space for whatever thoughts occur to them over the semester regarding their experiences with children at the Service-Learning site. The journal will be collected and read at the end of the semester, but will not receive a grade. Completion of a journal containing 10 entries with reasonable content of any length will result in a full credit for this portion of the grade. This journal will be due on December 4, 2000. For students who would like to have their journals back as an aid in writing the reflection paper, the journal should be turned in by November 27, 2000. If at any point during the semester, students would like their journals looked at (if they have a specific comment or concern they would like feedback on, or if they just want to be sure their entries are on the right track), contact Julie Mulhern, who will be happy to look at them.

The remaining 10% of the grade is based on a three-page reflection paper, due December 11th, on the Service-Learning experience. This paper is a chance for students to review their journals, look back on their experiences, and reflect on what they have learned.

Some guiding questions to think about while you write this paper are:

A final element is required for this reflection paper. Students are asked to take one issue touched on in colloquium this semester and draw a connection between this issue and their Service-Learning experience. This is the most important part of the paper, so keep it in mind during the semester as issues are discussed and presented in class, and as you attend your Service-Learning program.


Summary of Requirements:

1. Participate at an approved Service-Learning site, according to that site's commitment requirements. If your site does not have any requirement concerning the minimum time commitment you are to make, a minimum of 20 hours is expected.
2. Due December 4, 2000: A journal with a minimum of 10 entries, kept over the entire semester (not written the evening of December 3).
3. Due December 11, 2000: A 3-page reflection paper addressing some or all of the suggested questions above, and relating an issue from colloquium to their experience at a Service-Learning site.





Listed below are the five Service-Learning sites that have been approved. Once you have selected a site, you are committed to staying with that program for the duration of the Fall semester.


Option #1: Advocates for Children and Lakeland Stars Tutoring and Mentoring Program

Who: 24 students from the AFC Program, and 22 Paint Branch Elementary School children.
Where: Chestertown and Belaire Lounges.
When: Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:45 pm.
Training: Thursday, September 14, 2000.
Time Commitment: 2 1/4 hours per week throughout the semester.
Contact Person: Julie Mulhern, 301-314-5909, e-mail:
jmulhern@wam.umd.edu
Student Liaison: Brooks Miller, 301-314-0170, e-mail: brock@wam.umd.edu

Description: Research shows that moderate to high-risk students who participate in college outreach programs increase their odds of enrolling in a four-year college nearly two-fold. The new and improved Lakeland Stars program will pair Advocates with second through sixth graders for a mentoring/tutoring program. Advocates and Lakeland Stars pairs will spend the first hour on homework, and the second on fun and recreational activities.


Option #2: Children's Developmental Clinic

Who: Unlimited number of Advocates, and children from the community seeking developmental support of all kinds.
Where: On Campus, Downstairs Gym, Health and Human Performance Bldg. ("HHP," a.k.a., "the North Gym").
When: Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Training: Saturday, September 9, 2000, and Saturday, September 16, 2000.
Clinic Starts: Saturday, September 23, 2000.
Time Commitment: 4 hours per week for approx. 10 straight weeks, plus initial training. Those who know they will miss some weeks may be able to make an arrangement at the outset to be a substitute clinician instead of a regular one.
Contact Person: Dr. Paul Hahn, 301-405-2442, 301-322-0519
Student Liaison: Alicia Prager, 301-225-1701, e-mail: amprager@wam.umd.edu

Description: This is a well seasoned, excellent opportunity for students to work one-on-one with children ages infant to 12 years old. Clinicians receive pre-clinic training. Pairs practice developmental skills including motor, academic, and creative skills. The clinic approach to working with children is in the area of motor development in a one-to-one individualized "fun with a friend" program.


Option #3: St. Ann's Infant and Maternity Home

Who: Unlimited number of Advocates, and children who reside at St. Ann's, new-born through eight years old.
Where: St. Ann's Infant and Maternity Home, 4901 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD.
When: As scheduled.
Time Commitment: 20 hours.
Contact Person: Julie Mulhern, 301-314-5909, e-mail: jmulhern@wam.umd.edu
Student Liaison: Bethany Miskelly, 301-314-5944, e-mail: miskelly@wam.umd.edu

Description: St. Ann's is a residential program for children, pregnant and new teen mothers. There are day-care, preschool, and developmental services for children and counseling, parenting, certification, job skills, and GED classes for the parents. Childrenıs physical, emotional, developmental, and educational needs are met by a variety of services and opportunities. Students may work with infants and children in classrooms, nurseries, or living areas. There is also the possibility to tutor parents for their GED exams, 5-9 pm in the libraries or group lounges.


Option #4: The Caring Project

Who: Unlimited number of Advocates, and at-risk children from Langley Park.
Where: Hope Lutheran Church and Student Center, Guilford Rd. and Knox Rd., on the south border of campus.
When: Fridays from 2:00-5:00 pm.
Training: Friday, September 8, 2000.
Tutoring Starts: Friday, September 15, 2000.
Time Commitment: 3 hours per session for 9 sessions, plus training.
Contact Person: Rev. Beth Platz, 301-405-8448
Student Liaison: Ian Hall, 301-314-9672, e-mail: ihall@wam.umd.edu

Description: The Caring Project works with children in the nearby Langley Park community. Volunteers are needed for the nine Friday tutoring/mentoring sessions. Attendance at each session is required. These weekly visits are designed to increase children's self-esteem and encourage them to continue their education. There are many opportunities for bilingual Spanish-English volunteers to use their language skills. There are many children from this neighborhood who need support!


Option #5: Greenbelt CARES

Who: Advocates, and neighborhood children.
Where: Hornbake Library.
When: Tutors and students can choose the times and dates once they are assigned to a student-parent team.
Time Commitment: 20 hours.
Contact Person: Judye Hering, 301-345-6660
Student Liaison: Marci Denise, 301-314-9831, e-mail: midenise@wam.umd.edu

Description: Greenbelt CARES offers a free tutoring program for students from Prince George's county. The coordinator, Judye Hering, provides excellent training and support for the volunteers. Students are assigned to tutors by geographic location and subject preference. Judye organizes the pairs for this one-on-one tutoring activity.





Other ideas? Find another site and at least four other Advocates who want to work there, and propose your group's idea to Julie Mulhern, Service-Learning Coordinator, 301-314-5909 (Advocates office), 301-588-8145 (home), 301-405-1304 (Benjamin office), e-mail: jmulhern@wam.umd.edu.



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