Civic Innovations (CI), a strategic initiative, addresses needs of disadvantaged youth and is a collaboration between Wagner College and youth serving agencies on Staten Island (SI), one of five NYC boroughs. CI transforms college and community by implementing institutional and curricular changes that integrate service-learning pedagogy and civic engagement values, while utilizing college student and faculty expertise to enhance lives of disadvantaged youth. The model coordinates services and provides a means for community-based organizations to share resources and collaborate.
In the Community Connected Department (CCD) model, six academic departments have revised courses addressing needs of partnering organizations and disadvantaged youth. CCD courses are developed with community youth-serving organizations and involve 1200 Wagner College students in related S/L activities. The academic, social, and leadership needs of 8,000 disadvantaged youth are addressed by college students, who serve as role models, mentors, and tutors.
For more information, please visit the Center for Leadership and Service website. Civic Innovations is generously supported through funding from The Corporation for National and Community Service’s Learn & Serve America Program [Grant number 06LHHNY002].
