Community-Engaged Learning

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CCE supports all types of community-engaged learning that take place with community organizations, like internships, client-based class projects, community service, research or creative projects, service trips, and/or field experience.

These opportunities allow students to apply and learn knowledge and skills while developing a sense of civic responsibility. If you would like to explore these possibilities, please email cceFREEMississippi%20or schedule a conversation here.  

Service Learning Classes at USM
Service-learning is distinct from other community-engaged learning practices. It embeds service into academic classes and meets USM's criteria for service-learning. CCE provides curricular support for service-learning at USM. 

Citizen Scholars Program
Students who earn 100+ service hours, participate in a community-engaged learning experience, and complete a reflective exit interview will be recognized as a Southern Miss Citizen Scholar and receive a medallion. 

Volunteering 
Visit Get Connected at volunteer.usm.edu to see local volunteer opportunities and local organizations or request a one-on-one service consultation to find opportunities and/or information best suited to your specific interests, needs and/or schedule.

Community-Engaged Research
Do you have an idea for a creative project that could benefit the community? Would you like to explore social issues and/or topics that you feel passionate about? Connect with community organizations who might benefit from your research and/or creative project. CCE can make suggestions within the local community (contact us at cceFREEMississippi or by scheduling a meeting). CCE offers funding specifically for community-engaged research and creative projects through the The Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research (DCUR). Additionally, the McNair Scholars Program at Southern Miss offers support for undergraduate research and creative activity and may have funding available for students' scholarly activities.

Engaged Scholars
IDS 350: Methods of Community-Engaged Research is offered every other spring for students interested in learning about working with community organizations to conduct research. Up tp four students from this class will be chosen for the following year to research community issues alongside faculty as Engaged Student Scholars. Selected students will receive stipends of $250 each at the conclusion of each semester of participation in the research project and present their research at the Undergraduate Symposium. (Learn about the 2022-24 series)

Non-Profit Internships or Practicums
CCE encourages college students at USM to apply for an internship with a non-profit organization. A non-profit internship is an ideal way to gain useful and transferrable skills while working with an organization that promotes positive social change. Nonprofit internships satisfy internship requirements for several majors and minors at USM, including the Human Rights minor, Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Work, and Nonprofit Studies. USM's Center for Pathways Experiences connects students to internship opportunities across the country.