The CivicAction series is for outstanding students in grades 7 through 9. Its signature summer course, Taking Action: Leadership & Service, is a three-week service-learning course offered as part of the summer programs of Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development (CTD) and Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth (CTY).
Taking Action: Leadership & Service
Each year, more than three million Americans experience homelessness. More than eleven million go hungry. One out of every six children in America lives in poverty. Why does this happen? And what can young people do about it? As a recent student remarked, "Everyone knows social issues exist and wants to help – this course teaches how to do so."
This innovative curriculum integrates academic study with meaningful community service for an experience that participants routinely describe as "eye-opening" and "life-changing." Students split their time between the classroom and supervised hands-on service projects with community organizations ranging from homeless shelters to Head Start programs to top political offices. Through academic research, small group work and facilitated reflection, students investigate the root causes of and proposed solutions to pressing social problems. By applying academic rigor outside of the classroom, young student leaders gain a deeper understanding of complex social issues and learn how young people can make a difference in their communities.
This course enhances communication, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and prepares students for a lifetime of leadership and civic engagement.
2012 Programs
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CTD Taking Action: Leadership & Service Northwestern University – Evanston, IL Session 1 Jun 24, 2012 — Jul 13, 2012 Session 2 Jul 15, 2012 — Aug 3, 2012 Grade Levels Completing Grades 7 & 8 Taking Action: Leadership & Service is part of CTD’s Spectrum Program. More details, including applications, are available on the CTD Summer Programs web site. |
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CTY Taking Action: Leadership & Service Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD Session 1 Jun 24, 2012 — Jul 13, 2012 Session 2 Jul 15, 2012 — Aug 3, 2012 Grade Levels Completing Grades 7 – 9 Taking Action: Leadership & Service is part of CTY’s Intensive Studies Program. More details, including applications, are available on the CTY Summer Programs web site. |
