Civic Education Project: service learning field studies for oustanding middle and high school students
CTD's Civic Education Project
What to Expect



Service-Learning
service projects Groups spend a significant portion of the week engaged in service projects with reputable local community organizations tackling complex social problems. Service projects vary according to the specific focus issue, but each allows meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to the work of the organization while learning from clients, staff and community members. Participants might serve meals at a soup kitchen, read to children at a day care center or work in a city garden.


 Career Exploration
community experiences Students receive a rare glimpse of behind-the scenes work in the career field of their choice. They meet with professionals at the top of their disciplines in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. By witnessing and participating in the work of these experts firsthand, they develop a deeper understanding of the challenges facing each field and the issues shaping its future.


Reflection
Staff members facilitate reflection each evening to give students an opportunity to process the events of the day Staff members facilitate reflection each evening to give students an opportunity to process the events of the day. Activities such as discussions, debates and journal writings help students connect what they are seeing and experiencing to broader lessons about social issues, leadership and civic engagement.


Community Living
CivicWeek participants are housed at community organizations or retreat centers in the heart of their host communities CivicWeek participants are housed at community organizations or retreat centers in the heart of their host communities. Housing arrangements vary, but accommodations are typically simple and retreat-style, with shared bathrooms, kitchens and common spaces. Groups travel primarily via public transit. Working in teams, students and staff prepare meals for each other each evening.


Team Building
CivicWeek programs provide a tremendous opportunity for students to connect with diverse, motivated peers from communities across the country CivicWeek programs provide a tremendous opportunity for students to connect with diverse, motivated peers from throughout the country. This learning community is facilitated in part through fun and challenging team building activities. Groups might have to navigate through an obstacle course or cross an imaginary lava lake, all the while building trust, learning leadership skills and discovering how to work as a team.


Recreation
While each day in a CivicWeek program is quite full, groups always have time for relaxation and fun. Downtime each evening allows students to relax, unwind and socialize with their peers While every day is quite full, groups always have time for relaxation and fun. Downtime each evening allows students to relax, unwind and socialize with their peers. In addition, each group has the opportunity to explore some of the city's most notable cultural and historical sites and top tourist attractions.


Credit & Service Hours
CivicWeek participants therefore may be eligible for high school credit and approximately 40 hours of service-learning credit, depending on each individual school's guidelines Center for Talent Development is an accredited institution. As such, CivicWeek participants may be eligible for high school credit and up to 40 hours of service-learning credit, depending on school guidelines. Following the program, each student receives an evaluation of his or her performance and a transcript detailing the credit and service-learning hours awarded. School officials may require copies of these materials to grant credit. Many students also include them in college applications.


After the Program
CivicWeek programs are designed to help prepare students for a lifetime of active citizenship CivicWeek programs prepare students for a lifetime of civic engagement. To that end, CEP provides program alumni with ongoing resources to help them stay informed about social issues, continue to engage in service and apply the lessons they've learned to their schools and communities.