What is it?
The Community Engaged Learning Facilitator (CELF) Program is a student leadership opportunity for undergraduate students interested in community engagement
and collaborating to create community change. CELFs act as a liaison and resource to campus and community partners. Students engage through the community and Lewis courses. In both settings, students are expected to work with the supervisor on a project or program that best supports that partner.
Time commitment?
There is not a specific amount of time that you are responsible for. Depending on your program you will range from anywhere from 5-7 hours a week (possibly more or less) working on reflections and communication. As a first semester CELF, you are also required to take an intro course that takes place every other Tuesday with Director, Laura Wilmarth Tyna. Reflection activities are usually done in a course program, while community programs may go directly to the community partner’s site. Communication also plays a part in time by making sure you set some time aside to make emails and phone calls to the people you need to be connecting with.
Who will I be working with?
You will be placed with a course instructor or community partner. What are these? Some examples courses are Introduction to Social Work and Diversity and Social Justice. These courses both have partner programs associated with the course, meaning you as a CELF are responsible for helping the students in the class with engage with their assigned partner or project. When working with a community partner you will connect with organizations such as Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparents Program, Fairmont School’s homework club, and the Joliet Disability Resource Center. These CELFs go out to the community directly to work with the organizations on their programs and to represent the Office of Community Engaged Learning and Lewis University.
Will I be good at this?
Duh! If you are passionate about working with others, being a leader, and wanting to learn from others in a new way, you will rock! Even if you are not quite there yet, this is a great way to build on skills and learn a new thing. No matter where you are in life, this is something you will be amazing at!
How do I apply and get more information?
Reach out to CEL@lewisu.edu with any questions and visit our program’s webpage here for more detailed information. When ready, click the apply button at the top of the page and fill out the form.
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