MCLA Recognized As Service-Learning Leader For Massachusetts

- April 25, 2008

NORTH ADAMS – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) recently was named this year’s Massachusetts Community Service-Learning Higher Education Partner Leader.

“We are delighted that MCLA is being recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Education for our service learning programs,” said Dean of Students Charlotte Degen. “This community-based experiential learning opportunity connects our students meaningfully with the community as we marshal the work in the disciplines and together with the community address needs.”

MCLA has been involved in a variety of service-learning activities for many years, Degen said, with a formal program established by the College in 1997. Initiatives include co-hosting an annual, full service-learning conference in partnership with North Adams Public Schools. In addition, each semester, nearly a quarter of MCLA faculty members employ service learning within the context of their classes.

According to the Community Service-Learning Advisory Council to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (CSL Advisory Council,) this award recognizes an outstanding institution of higher education whose representatives develop future service-learning teachers, and who partner with public schools to promote service-learning, civic engagement and community improvement.

Kristen McKinnon, service-learning specialist at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, stated it was clear that MCLA provides leadership both within and among other institutions of higher education from promoting and supporting community-service learning.

“Service learning is transformative and has for many, many years served MCLA students, our partnership with North Adams Public Schools, and the community beyond the campus,” Degen said.

The CSL Leader awards will be presented during the state service-learning conference at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester on May 5. For more information, go to www.mcla.edu