Youth to College Initiative

Humboldt State students work collaboratively with
youth on projects that build community and
provide access to a college education for all.

HSU's Service Learning Center has been awarded a $50,000, 3-year grant from California Campus Compact to serve as the northern California regional leader in the Youth to College (Y2C) Initiative, which aims to increase college readiness among youth from disadvantaged situations. This grant is part of the Building Partnerships for a Better California - Youth to College Initiative; this program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Learn and Serve Higher Education Program. Humboldt State is one of four campuses in California to serve in this capacity, joining UCLA, the University of San Diego, and CSU Fresno.

To meet its goal of supporting college readiness for 3,000 youth, the HSU Service Learning Center is partnering locally with Youth Serve AmeriCorps, Manila Community Center, Academy of the Redwoods, and Eureka City Schools. Various projects involve HSU students tutoring and mentoring local youth, in addition to engaging youth and college students in joint service learning activities that provide opportunities for all to develop an ethic of civic responsibility and community participation. Youth work closely with college students and are able to visit HSU, becoming more familiar with campus culture and developing social connections and academic skills that will aid their transition to college. Campus partners who are supporting this youth-focused community work include the Educational Talent Search Program, Youth Educational Services, and Student Academic Services Outreach Program.

Some highlights of the Y2C program include the development of service learning activities and events involving college students and youth, and coordinating with campus and community partners for Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service.

In addition to this local work, HSU will also serve as the lead university providing training to 3 or more colleges in the region, so that similar service learning programs can foster college readiness among youth from disadvantaged situations throughout northern California.

For more information, contact Annie Bolick-Floss at (707) 826-4965

HSU Day of Caring is an exciting community mobilization event co-coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Redwoods and the local United Way, bringing together over 400 students, faculty and staff members, administrators, and community members to perform a half-day of service. Stayed tuned for more details as the event approaches, or call us at 826-4963 for more information.

The “s” designation should be listed as part of the course code for all Service Learning courses on Banner and in the Schedule of Classes, so that students who seek Service Learning experiences can find them. If you are a faculty member teaching a Service Learning course, please be sure to ask your ASA/ASC each semester to submit the course to Banner with an “s” designation. If you are an ASA/ASC, please ask all faculty in your department to identify Service Learning classes each semester, and submit information for these courses with an “s” designation as part of the regular course information as requested for Banner and the Schedule of Classes. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Annie Bolick-Floss at 826-4965 or amb2@humboldt.edu

The following video shows how HSU Service Learning is empowering the community and transforming education.

Humboldt students and faculty use their skills to design interactive exhibits for children at the Discovery Museum, and help youth build their academic and social skills in the Cutten School District.

HSU Service Learning Video: Windows Media or Real Player or Real Player Closed Captioned

Closed captioning of these videos is in progress.

Students and faculty across all CSU campuses give back to their communities in varied ways. The Community Service Learning In The CSU page has more examples of some of the amazing talent at the 23 campuses.

Annie Bolick-Floss
Service Learning Coordinator
(707) 826-4965
amb2@humboldt.edu

Jyl Barnett
Community Partner Liaison
(707) 826-4963
jmb137@humboldt.edu