Community Service-Learning expands accessibility for students

Canadian Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada logo

Canadian Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and the Government of Canada have recognized Community Service-Learning’s (CSL) commitment to equity deserving students through a $100,000 grant to expand student participation.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer 100, $1000 awards to students from Indigenous, racialized, rural, Francophone and newcomer backgrounds, and to students with disabilities and women students in STEM, to boost their participation in community engaged learning,” says Dr. David Peacock, director of CSL.  

In the winter term (2023), students from multiple faculties and courses will be able to participate in 20-30 hour CSL projects on site at community based organizational settings or online for the partner. 

Peacock adds:

 “There are many learning opportunities for students across the city and beyond. In Psychology 329, students will volunteer at the Operation Friendship Senior Society, which serves seniors experiencing houselessness, to support food prep and friendly visiting in the drop-in program. In CSL 100, students will provide shelter intake support at the Hope Mission, checking folks in for the night and helping them get settled, while others will work with Ribbon Rouge, to create and organize activities for Black History Month in February. Other students will work on a High Prairie Environmental Action Committee project to film zoom interviews with rural, Indigenous waste managers, and plastics recyclers.  And in Computer Science students will work with The Steadward Centre to develop an app that can be used to audit sports clubs for their inclusion of people with disabilities.” 

CSL builds student capabilities for successful studies and professional careers.  

“Often volunteering and extracurricular activities at university require both time and money, something many students have in short supply,’ says Peacock.  “We are grateful for the funding to support students increase their academic engagement, build their confidence and connections in community, and create meaningful learning opportunities that help students imagine their futures in new and exciting ways.”

For more details on the awards, go to the CSL Funding Opportunities page.  

This project has been funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work- Integrated Learning program and CEWIL Canada’s iHUB.