USF Service Learning Leadership Academy Selects Service Projects [12/11/2006]

The USF Service Learning Leadership Academy has selected seven yearlong community service projects.

School is more than just long lecture sessions, waking up early for class, and late night cram sessions. In this spirit, the USF Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities and Volunteer USF, with support from Florida Campus Compact, formed the USF Service Learning Leadership Academy in September, 2005. The Academy works to create courses that incorporate community service into the traditional classroom setting. The Academy works to bring students, community members, corporate partners, and alumni to not only receive leadership training but also build strong connections within the Tampa Bay community.

The USF Service Learning Leadership Academy is comprised of two parts. First, monthly forums led by USF faculty and community experts focus on teaching leadership skills, networking, and team problem solving. Second, participants will partake in yearlong community service projects proposed by different non-profit organizations, USF departments, and government organizations.

The inaugural year looks very promising with many exciting projects being developed:

The Catholic Charities Migrant/ Latino Health Education Team works with the Catholic Charities of St. Petersburg to operate a mobile medical program providing care for migrant farm workers and Latinos in Hillsborough County. The team will work to design health education plays in Spanish to raise awareness about current health issues.

The Connected by 25/Stand up for Kids Homeless Youth Resource Team will work to improve lives for Florida foster children who are aging out of foster care. Both Connected by 25 and Stand up for Kids are non-profit organizations that work to stabilize foster youth homes and connect them with the resources for success later in life. Teams will aid both organizations by acquiring more data that can be used to help identify gaps in service and create a guide for agencies in located youth resources.

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Technology Fair Team works with CARD as well as local autism technology experts to create a technology fair to showcase the latest in technology designed to help those with autism spectrum disorders.

The East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership Organization Assessment Team will work to assess the effectiveness and impact of the ETCRP who works with government and community organizations to redevelop East Tampa.

The Greater Palm River Point CDC Youth Newsletter Business Plan Team will work with youth who are developing a community based newsletter and businesses. Their goal is to improve the lives of the residents of the Palm River community.

The Heart of East Tampa Oral History Project Team will work with the Heart of East Tampa Porch Initiative who has created a statewide initiative to rebuild distressed communities by recording oral histories.

Finally, the Ophelia Project Youth Leadership Board Team will assist the Ophelia Project, a community initiative of the Tampa Metro YMCA that connects organizations, schools, and individuals in creating positive change for girls. The team will develop the Ophelia Project’s Youth Leadership Board. The Board will work with youth at Sulphur Springs Elementary School and will provide leadership opportunities for youth as well as raise the voice of youth in important issues.

No matter what the team, the USF Service Learning Leadership Academy looks to have a great year teaching many eager students and helping many deserving members of the Tampa Bay Community.