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Raritan Valley Community College will present a virtual discussion, “When Community Becomes the Classroom, Everyone Wins,” a program focusing on the College’s nationally recognized Service Learning Program, March 16, 2:30-4 p.m. The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, is part of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities’ new program, The Democracy Conversation Project.

The RVCC online, interactive event will help participants explore how the impact of Service Learning, which blends learning objectives and community service, is more than just an academic experience for students. RVCC faculty and a community partner will lead a discussion about the College’s Service Learning model. The speakers will share insight about how a collaborative approach can be an ideal way for students, faculty, and the community to get involved with local nonprofits and, ultimately, exchange ideas about democratic and civic engagement and other related areas. They also will share how they offer Service Learning opportunities in their courses.

RVCC’s presenters will include:

• Dr. Jennifer Pearce-Morris, Associate Professor of Sociology

• Dr. Kathryn Suk, Associate Professor of Education and Co-Director of the College’s Center for Teaching, Learning and Scholarship

• Lauren Frary, Executive Director, Arc of Somerset County and RVCC Adjunct Faculty of Human Services

• Lori Moog, Director of Service Learning and Community Outreach

Launched in January 2021, the Democracy Conversation Project (DCP) is an initiative designed to provide opportunities for community discussions about topics like the democratic process, the electoral college, voter suppression, civic engagement, and other areas related to democracy. It is administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. RVCC is the first of eight New Jersey community colleges that will offer these public discussions in March and April.

The New Jersey Council for the Humanities is a nonprofit state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. NJCH harnesses the power of the humanities to strengthen our pluralistic society. It works statewide with cultural and community organizations to bring dynamic programming to the local level.

To register for “When Community Becomes the Classroom, Everyone Wins,” visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/when-community-becomes-the-classroom-everyone-wins-a-dcp-event-tickets-143835743581?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. After registering, participants will receive log-in information before the event.

Participants in the “When Community Becomes the Classroom, Everyone Wins” also will be invited to return to a sequel event the following week, March 23, at noon. This follow-up, online conversation, “In the Weeds,” is designed to provide space for participants to talk with each other about the real-life application of the “big picture” concepts explored in the “When Community Becomes the Classroom, Everyone Wins” online presentation.

For additional information, contact the New Jersey Council for the Humanities at 609-695-4838 or info@njhumanities.org.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2021

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #66