Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good Assessment 23-24

This event aligns with the Community Engagement domain, as students participated in volunteer work at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. By contributing a total of 235 volunteer hours, they assisted in assembling 1,953 food boxes/packages for families facing food insecurity.

Students had a deeper understanding of volunteerism, civic engagement, and gained a sense of social responsibility to give back to their community by participating in this event.

The event was successful as students offered valuable services to the community, made connections, and were inspired to seek more volunteer opportunities. Organizing it every semester could encourage greater student involvement and continued community engagement.

We aim to hold this event every semester to engage more students in the community and foster social responsibility. To continue, we need funding and plan to collaborate with other colleges for financial support.

College Corps fellows are required to complete at least 450 service hours. They are strategically placed with 13 community partner organizations focused on K-12 education, food insecurity, and climate action. Fellows participate in tutoring and mentoring K-12 students, distributing meals, and addressing climate issues.

To achieve its goal of engaging college students in meaningful service and building leadership skills, College Corps staff offer workshops and training on professional and personal development. These sessions help fellows reflect on their experiences and foster a sense of belonging within the cohort and the University community.

The assessment analyzed program retention and completion data for College Corps fellows, who must complete at least 450 service hours annually. Out of 55 recruited fellows, 47 were retained, contributing 22,766 service hours, exceeding the target of 21,150 hours for this cohort. These metrics reflect the fellows' engagement with the community and support community-based organizations focused on local priorities.

The Cal State LA College Corps program focuses on optimal student placements based on location, hours, and interests. This strategic placement aims to enhance community service experiences, strengthen partnerships with organizations, and support students' successful completion of the program.

The program assists Cal State LA students in adapting to college life by creating a safe space for developing personal and social skills. Led by fellow students, it emphasizes community engagement and social justice, with tutors working with K-6 children. This experience enhances their understanding of social challenges, fostering compassion and awareness. Through observation and reflection, tutors become engaged in community efforts and recognize their potential to positively impact society.

Cal State LA ARAC program students reported being able to recognize their strengths while working on a shared vision. Tutors reported enjoying their roles and feeling impactful, which boosted community engagement and a sense of belonging. They expressed how their skills contribute to the greater good through service, projects, and advocacy.

The Cal State LA ARAC demonstrates significant impact through its emphasis on meaningful community engagement. This program provides students with a safe environment to observe and reflect on real-life issues, fostering a connection between their education and their potential to make a difference.

Students in this program graduate with highly employable skills. They transition smoothly from college to the workplace, equipped with critical thinking abilities, resilience, and motivation. The program consistently produces work-ready students who are prepared to excel in their professional careers.

Moving forward for this program we will  work to set Learning Objectives and define objectives before each activity; incoporate pre, mid, and post activity reflections and integrate experiences to show how co-curricular and academic experiences complement each other.

This resource offers students information and access to on-campus and off-campus community engagement opportunities. These opportunities, coordinated by CESPG, provide meaningful experiences that develop leadership, skills, values, support career development, and positively impact communities.

Information and awareness of pathways to community engagement and that a variety of options are available to fit student service objectives and goals.

The event series consisted of five coordinated events, each incentivized by a raffle giveaway to encourage survey completion. The momentum built throughout the week, driven by student-led promotion. This peer-to-peer approach effectively connected student interest to the events, making the information more relevant and engaging.

Next steps for planning Community Engagement Week in April 2025 involve analyzing user data to understand student attendance and levels. This information is crucial as service benefits impact student development. Freshmen benefit from early exposure to community engagement opportunities, gaining insights over time. Seniors may still benefit but miss out on long-term development. Outreach strategies should emphasize the impact of community engagement on student development at different levels to connect students with suitable opportunities.

This program supports the Community Engagement domain by fostering positive relationships, creating a sense of belonging, celebrating achievements, and empowering student voices. It connects formerly incarcerated students with peers, faculty, and the community, provides an inclusive space, acknowledges their courage and determination, and incorporates student input to foster leadership and ownership.

1. Students will develop a heightened sense of community and belonging through participation in the event.
2. Students will enhance their leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of social and civic engagement through active involvement in event planning and execution.

The event successfully fostered a strong sense of community and belonging among attendees, with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that contributed to pride and acceptance. High engagement with the theme and social interactions was evident from photo analysis. However, considerations for future events include diversifying music selection, exploring alternative themes, improving food quality and variety, and increasing student-led initiatives. Limitations included limited feedback on specific aspects due to the response rate and potential bias from highly engaged attendees.

The next steps include organizing themed events based on student input, prioritizing music and entertainment by hiring a DJ, enhancing food and beverage options through student feedback, and empowering student leadership in event planning. Additionally, formalizing partnerships with the LA City Clerk's office to expand civic engagement and celebrating student milestones are key actions.

Jumpstart students at Cal State LA committed to 300 service hours at a Little Tokyo preschool, receiving 40 hours of training on the curriculum. Their service supports early education with a focus on literacy and fun, significantly impacting children's transition to kindergarten. This experience aligns with Cal State LA's commitment to community engagement by fostering a sense of community, responsibility, and providing valuable hands-on education and service experience.

Students learn community engagement, relationship-building, and curriculum development. Jumpstart's culturally relevant, anti-bias, anti-racist (CRABAR) framework connects them with their culture and community. Participation enhances professional skills, personal growth, and fosters a sense of belonging. These experiences deepen their understanding of diversity and inclusion, preparing them to advocate for social justice and equity.

In the spring and summer of 2024, 16 students committed to the program, completing 100 to 300 service hours each. By summer's end, 12 students will complete 300 hours. The program was offered only in Spring with optional summer participation.

Students contributed 2,662 service hours, showing dedication and community impact. The flexible structure maintained high engagement and commitment.

Our program concluded on August 31, marking the end of a successful chapter. While there are no plans for Fiscal Year 25-26, we celebrate the achievements and impact we've made together.