The Community Engagement Project in LAWS-2027: Youth Justice in Canada started 5 years ago as a way for students to make connections in the community. The project has become a fixture in this youth justice class and has helped students see theory in action. The demo would include pictures of students at their community agency visits along with some student testimonials.
WHAT WERE THE MAIN GOALS OF THIS PROJECT?
To engage students in local youth agencies for the purpose of reflecting on course material.
HOW DOES THIS DEMONSTRATE INNOVATION?
Students participated in community engaged learning through one class project. The community was brought into the classroom and the classroom learned through the community.
WHAT WERE THE PROBLEMS OR CHALLENGES YOU FACED WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
Preparing students for the community experience.
Having enough community partners to place students at for their visits.
Creating a written assignment that allowed students to reflect on what they learned in the community while connecting the experience to course material.
LESSONS LEARNED
Getting students out into into the community connects them to future employers.
Community agencies love JIBC students.
