Civic Engagement and Service Education Partnership (CESEP)

Program Overview 

The Office for Diversity and Academic Success in Sciences (ODASIS), under the Division of Life Sciences, is collaborating with the Civic Engagement and Service Education Partnerships (CESEP) and the Department of Africana Studies to provide Rutgers students with a unique opportunity to receive college credit while serving the community. College students will be able to provide supplemental instruction as part of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program at the New Brunswick High School and Middle School. AVID is an intensive study program that targets high school students who would typically be capable of meeting a rigorous curriculum if given the proper support but are currently falling short of their potential. By combining academic study with community service, the CESEP program offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to attain real world work experience while earning one college credit. CESEP implements an active learning approach which requires college students to spend time with the High school and Middle school students helping them with their courses and learn about community issues, thus fostering a cycle of continuous service learning and academic excellence.

Requirements

In order to receive college credit for the program, the following requirements have to be satisfied:

1. Final Paper: Write a well-thought out, detailed paper (four pages, typed, double-spaced) on your CESEP experience during the semester. This Final Paper will be due end of semester.The paper should answer the following questions:
   • What is the socio-economic background of the community?
   • What is the importance of programs such as CESEP/AVID? How do you think they make a difference in the community?
   • What are some difficulties you encountered during your sessions? How did you overcome these obstacles?
   • How has the program impacted you on a personal level?
2. CESEP Presentation: Give a presentation (five minutes) to the entire class on your work during the semester, and on the importance of community service as part of the educational experience. This Final Presentation will be due towards the end of the semester.
3. Journal Entries: You are required to keep weekly, typed journal entries (minimum 250 words) every time you volunteer on site. Submit these entries on a weekly basis to Enrique Noguera in his office on the second floor of 18 Bishop Place (across the street from the Hurtado Health Center) on the College Avenue Campus. Mr. Noguera will keep track of your progress throughout the semester. Please report to him with any concerns or problems you might have during the program.
4. 4. Time Sheets: As part of the program, you are required to complete thirty hours of service. It is your responsibility to get your time sheet signed by your supervisor every time you volunteer at your designated site. Submit the time sheets on a weekly basis to Enrique Noguera in his office on the second floor of 18 Bishop Place. DO NOT wait until the last minute to ask Mr. Noguera to sign-off on all the hours for the semester!

Grading Breakdown