Nine Eastern students recently completed a new summer program designed to foster civic leadership skills. Spearheaded by the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) through a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, the inaugural Summer Civic Leadership Program combined academic coursework with community action.

The program is “designed for undergraduate students passionate about civic responsibility and community development,” said CCE director Lana O’Connor. “The program blends academic coursework with hands-on service in partnership with local nonprofit and municipal organizations.”

Developing community leaders

The Summer Civic Leadership Program is a competitive, application-based program, selectively admitting students who have demonstrated civic engagement and leadership potential during their time at Eastern. Applicants submitted tailored resumes, personal statements, and faculty recommendations before being considered for an interview.

“The application process was pretty challenging,” said Shirleey Mazariegos Martinez, a sophomore studying nursing. “As a first-year student, an experience like this was completely new to me. I knew it was an excellent opportunity to connect deeper with the community.”

Students in the program developed a stronger understanding of community leadership theories and frameworks through academic coursework while putting their knowledge into practice at four community-based organizations across Windham.

Ariana Rodrigues Silva, a junior studying social work, explained that in the classroom, “we cover civic leadership and social issues we see at our sites, as well as learn how to collaborate with each other and enhance our communication skills.”

Mazariegos Martinez added: “We focus on understanding how our work contributes to positive change in the community and explore ways we can continue improving our efforts to support those in need.”

Emily Grimaldi, a senior studying social work, added that to better understand the community, it was necessary for the course to delve into the history of Willimantic.

“[Eastern students] are guests living in a town full of rich history. The course helped us gain an understanding of why and how Willimantic is the way it is,” she said, referring to the town’s industrial past and diverse immigrant community.

Covenant Soup Kitchen 

Three students supported operations at Covenant Soup Kitchen in downtown Willimantic, including health sciences sophomore Dayreni Figueroa, social work junior Kelly Ayala Rodriguez, and psychology junior Elisa Castro Vasquez.  

The trio helped out in the kitchen, with deliveries and distribution, and on donation processing.

“There’s always something to do,” said Castro Vasquez, who also broke down language barriers by assisting Spanish-speaking community members.

CCAR Windham Recovery Community Center

The Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) at the Windham Recovery Community Center has hosted free recovery services for community members since 2004.

During their time at CCAR, social work sophomore Shirleey Mazariegos Martinez and social work junior Ariana Rodrigues Silva updated job boards, managed calendars, attended recovery meetings, conducted telephone recovery support (TRS) calls, assembled prevention kits, and engaged with community members.

Mazariegos Martinez recalled her first TRS call. “I did not know what to expect. However, when the person answered, they were genuinely excited to speak with me,” she said. “That experience showed me how something as simple as a phone call can brighten someone’s day.”

Rodrigues Silva commented on the supportive environment that CCAR provides for its community members. “The mutual support at CCAR makes it a safe space to connect when life outside isn’t perfect,” she said. “That’s why I’m excited to be there each day and want to come back as a volunteer.”

Windham Recreation Department

Psychology senior Gia Marmo and social work senior Emily Grimaldi supported summer operations at the Windham Recreation Department (Windham Rec). The duo created site decorations and flyers, created counselor training materials for Lauter Park Day Camp, coordinated event programs, and contributed to the department’s monthly newsletter.

Grimaldi noted how Windham Rec brings together people from diverse backgrounds. “They all go there for one thing ... to have fun and enjoy the programs that Windham Rec offers,” she said.

During her time at Windham Rec, Marmo gained a stronger understanding of how national issues impact local communities. Working directly with children and families, she referenced the subsidy program “Care 4 Kids,” a statewide program that helps low-to-moderate income families afford childcare.

According to a CT Mirror article covering child care in Connecticut, the rising cost of living across the country has led to program applications rising by nine percent in 2025, reaching capacity in 2026.

St. Joseph Living Center

Psychology junior Darlene Orozco and secondary education sophomore Ava Gallipoli assisted with operations and support at St. Joseph Living Center, a Windham-based health care facility rooted in Catholic faith and open to all community members.

The duo took residents to Mass, interacted with residents, planned recreational activities, and organized events. Orozco mentioned some popular events and activities included inviting local bands to the center, therapeutic coloring, trivia, bowling, and bingo.

The two students’ presence during the summer was much appreciated by residents. Orozco explained that CCE student volunteers leave during summer and winter breaks.

“Their absence is felt,” she explained. “Being able to be there, transporting residents, aiding the recreational department, and interacting with residents makes a difference.”