While each community program is unique, students have the ability to gain the following employability skills:
The Center is located in a renovated Victorian house in the historic "Hill Section" of Willimantic; providing a safe and home-like atmosphere. During the semester, students are provided with continued intellectual, practical, and collaborative experiences to enhance their knowledge and understanding of their own leadership styles. This includes faculty connections for guidance that accommodates a wide variety of learning styles.
In the Greater Windham Community, students work in schools K-12 in mentoring, recreational, and afterschool programs. Adult programs can range from senior centers, local soup kitchen, hospitality centers, addiction and recovery centers, and more! Special events provide short-term programming that includes blood drives, seasonal festivals, and children's events.
Community Programs occur on a weekly basis and are based upon the needs of the organization as well as itsclients. Volunteers engage consistently throughout the semester. Special Events are one-time events with a duration of one to four hours. Student Leaders and volunteers are required to commit to specific times and days.
All students are trained and supervised by professional staff that maintain a close relationship with our community partners. Staff maintain contact with the Student Leaders and community partners throughout the programs allowing the need address any concerns that may arise.
Student Leaders are students who have completed previous work as volunteers at the CCE and have exhibited a range of commitment, leadership, and critical thinking skills toward a career focus (ie: teaching, social work, public health). These students will train and supervise students in the field at programs and provide reflection sessions for problem-solving and debriefing.
Student Leaders receive close supervision from the staff of the Center. They also attend weekly meetings to discuss programming. Student volunteers are encouraged to problem-solve with their student leaders through their service learning course work.
The CCE provides transportation to all programs in the area. Student volunteers are picked up at the CCE and are driven by their program leaders in University vehicles. Students may also choose to provide their own transportation, including walking to and from short destinations in Willimantic.
