The Bristol Community College's (BCC) Civic Engagement Program is designed to enhance student learning through the integration of academic learning in courses or through participation in community service, while encouraging civic engagement, social responsibility, development of workforces and community leadership skills and the ability to reflect on the connection between civic engagement and academic achievement. The College held an Experiential Education Recognition Breakfast on May 20th in the Commonwealth Center to recognize students, faculty and worksites for their participation in Cooperative Education through internships in community settings as well as students, faculty and their community partners for their participation in Civic Engagement through unpaid service in community settings. Zainab Abbas participated in an internship program with Partners for a Healthier Community and worked with Dr. Weed and other members of the team over the second semester. Director of Civic Engagement Dr. Mary Zahm acknowledged the students following remarks by host Jim Mathes, President John Sbrega, Dean of Teaching and Learning Suzanne Buglione, Ed.D., UMass-Boston Professor Dwight Giles, Ph.D, and Director of Cooperative Education Nicole Heaney. A meeting of the Advisory Board followed the Recognition Breakfast. Click here for a 20-minute video of the event. Click here for photos of the 2013 event. For more information about Civic Engagement at BCC, contact Dr. Mary Zahm at 508-678-2811, Ext. 2579.

(Top row, left) BCC Board Member Jim Mathes welcomes the crowd along with President Jack Sbrega. (Row two) Dean of Teaching and Learning Suzanne Buglione, Ed.D., introduces UMass-Boston Professor Dwight Giles, Ph.D, who gave the keynote address. (Row three) Director of Cooperative Education Nicole Heaney.and Director of Civic Engagement Dr. Mary Zahm recognize students, faculty and worksites for their participation in Cooperative Education through internships in community settings as BCC Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences Dean Kevin Garganta listens. (Bottom row) The Civic Engagement staff members are recognized by Dr. Zahm and Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey poses for a photo with student intern Zainab Abbas with UMass-Dartmouth Leduc Center for Civic Engagement Matthew Roy before the meeting of the advisory committee.