CONROE (January 28, 2018) – In English 1301 at Lone Star College-Montgomery, students learn about more than just the basics of language: they also use their writing to positively impact the community.
With the help of funding from Sequent Energy and the campus Rotaract Club, Professor Melissa Dennis partners with local nonprofits to help her students see the real-life applications of the skills they learn in class.
This year, she worked with CASA, Family Promise, Shattered Lives, Yes to Youth, and Greenzone Housing. The wide variety of issues covered by these organizations-- from environmental protection to youth empowerment-- allowed students to explore numerous avenues for improving the world around them.
The class was split into groups to conduct research on each nonprofits’ unique needs and challenges. After gathering information and developing a plan of action, students were expected to write up a formal proposal and prepare a presentation.
The class is hard, but engaging. Students find themselves invigorated by their causes, and even get to see the fruits of their labor: the winning group was able to present a $3,000 donation to CASA at a ceremony on Wednesday, December 12.
“These young women that worked on our project represented CASA so well, we really would love them to come and work with us in other capacities,” said CASA representative, Ann McAlpin.
Considering the effectiveness of the class, it’s likely many students will have similar opportunities. Last year, they were able to secure a $500 grant for Children’s Safe Harbor, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the trauma of abused children by facilitating a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to intervention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment.
The class was thrilled to be a part in these local projects, and expressed how much they learned, not only about English, but on how to create positive change.
“This class is a great class to take to help you better understand what’s going on in a community,” said Kiarra Robinson, “It’s just a great class!” she continued with a laugh.
Emily Deniz agreed, saying “This class really opened my eyes. It was a great experience to work hands on and help better our community in any way we can.”
The students weren’t the only ones excited about the success of the class.
“As a non-profit, we are wildly enthusiastic about the innovation of this project,” said McAlpin. “[It] was a delight to work on in every way!”
English 1302 will be offered again in the Fall 2019 semester, and is currently seeking interested nonprofits and community sponsors. Contact Melissa Dennis at Melissa.H.Dennis@LoneStar.edu for more details.
Campus Rotaract President Regina Perez summed up the experience perfectly, noting, “We were very happy to partner with CASA and the class, and we’re very excited for more opportunities like these.”
This popular section fills up quickly, so visit www.lonestar.edu/registration to register now and save your seat.
Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 99,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.