Representatives of community-based projects and services were invited to the Faculty Lounge at Bristol Community College' by Civic Engagement Program Coordinator Erin Smith on September 16, 2015. The "Coffee Connection" session was designed to help College faculty identify community programs that students could become involved with for service-learning work. The 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 goal is to create partnerships between faculty and agencies so students can volunteer in your organization and help you serve your mission," stated Smith. Click here for a 12-minute video of the participants introducing themselves. Click here for photos of the most recent breakfast meeting. For more information about Civic Engagement at BCC, contact Coordinator Erin Smith at 508-678-2811, Ext.3092.

(Top row) Civic Engagement staff member Maurice Cyr talks with New Bedford Whaling National Park Volunteer Coordinator Emily Prigot before she talks with AHA! Fall River coordinators Dave and Sandy Dennis, and Ramona Turcotte of Big Friends/Little Friends introduces herself. (Middle row) Boys and Girls Club Finance Director Bill Kiley and Operations Manager Melissa Tavares speak with Civic Engagement Coordinator Erin Smith before she talks with Tina Souza of the Fall River Youth Court Program. (Bottom row) Maurice talks with Gail Furtado of Forever Paws, while Mali Lim of the New Bedford Department of Community Services displays her literature and Maurice talks with Dave O'Connor of My Brother's Keeper.