CACC Programs » Federal Work-Study Community Service » University of Redlands
University of Redlands
Community to Campus and Campus to Community
http://www.redlands.edu/x13307.xml
Contact: Kathryn Wood, Associate Director of Community Service Learning, at 909-793-2121 x 2797 or email kathryn_wood@redlands.edu
Big Buddies
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Big Buddies is a child-centered service program at the University of Redlands that provides positive role models for elementary and middle school children ages 5–14. The mission of the Big Buddies program is to introduce the Little Buddies to the campus and to college life, and to provide positive role models for them, while reinforcing the importance of education.
Program objectives are:
- To provide positive college role models.
- To stress the importance of a well-rounded education.
- To provide tutoring for the children in areas in which they may have difficulties.
- To stress the importance of appropriate behavior and improve socializing skills.
- To play games and create crafts that are fun and exciting.
- To counsel and listen to children.
The program is structured as a group-on-group setting, providing children several Big Buddies as role models and friends. The program serves students from the Redlands School District who are referred by their teachers or by parents who feel their children can benefit from the extra help.
The program is planned and coordinated by four Federal Work-Study Student Directors. Big Buddies are volunteers selected through a very competitive interview process. The volunteers receive training twice a year that include discussion of issues affecting many of these children, such as poverty, limited English skills, and disabilities. The volunteers also learn how to handle learning challenges and difficult behavior and explore their roles as mentors.
Little Buddies come to campus one night a week to receive tutoring and participate in crafts, snack time, and an organized game or event. University of Redlands’ student groups and other organizations provide lessons and entertainment for the Little Buddies during their campus visits. Recently, animal trainers brought their furry friends to teach Little Buddies proper pet handling, the Hawaii Club, a UR student organization, presented a luau, and the Improv Club performed and involved Little Buddies in skits.
Jasper’s Corner Homework Club
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Jasper's Corner Homework Club (http://www.redlands.edu/x13714.xml) is located in the Hunsaker Student Center. The program was established by U of R’s Office of Community Service Learning as way to support young students who need extra help with their studies. The project offers free academic assistance and is staffed by trained Federal Work-Study students. Mathematics and education majors are especially sought as “Study Buddies,” but FWS-eligible students from other majors are welcomed into the program.
The U of R students receive tutor training from local school personnel, knowledgeable community-partner organizations, and members of the University of Redlands education faculty. In addition, these students have opportunities to reflect on their service verbally and in writing.
The Jasper’s Corner program includes one-on-one and small group homework help for K – 12th graders. Study Buddies are matched with younger students according to the interests and skills of the tutors and the needs of the children.
The University advertises Jasper’s Homework Club through high school and elementary school counseling/academic departments and school district communications.
University of Redlands students who are mathematics and education majors are targeted as “Study Buddies,” but students with other majors are welcomed join to the program. The Redlands Police Department clears the university students’ background, and the students receive tutor training from local partner organizations.
Jasper’s Corner programs include small group tutoring in the afternoons, and one-on-one tutoring in the evening, and includes Big Buddy-planned recreation, homework and other activities to engage the students.
The program is clear in assigning responsibilities of the parents, the young students, and the Study Buddies.
Off-Campus Placements
Gardeners in Residence
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Gardeners in Residence (http://www.redlands.edu/x13711.xml) is a community project staffed by Federal Work-Study students who have elected to participate in constructing and maintaining vegetable, flower, and landscaped gardens in the downtown and residential areas of Redlands. Student gardeners are trained in planning, planting, pruning, irrigation, water pond maintenance, and basic garden upkeep to beautify and restore public spaces and create new garden areas throughout the city of Redlands.
The Gardeners in Residence program has partnered with local elementary schools and other programs to teach basic gardening skills to children and adults. In addition, the Gardeners in Residence, under the supervision and training of a master gardener and other educators, assist students by illustrating lessons in math, English, history, and other curriculum through garden-related applications.
Other Programs
Other University of Redlands work-study positions, such as outreach interns and America Reads (http://www.redlands.edu/x13707.xml) tutors, have been established at the School District, Micah House, Redlands Day Nursery, Redlands Community Center, Boys & Girls Club and Inland Empire Residential Center. Federal Work-Study students are interviewed and placed as outreach interns (http://www.redlands.edu/x13710.xml) working with youth in recreation, mentoring, and classroom assistance. These students enjoy working off campus as recreation leaders in after-school programs and as assistant teachers at child-centered agencies.