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. Over 650 students participated during the 2016-2017 academic year in 39 courses taught by 28 different faculty members working with more than 75 community partners. Projects included students doing real-life SWOT Analyses for local community agencies and nursing students engaging a variety of populations in health and wellness activities. The Advisory Board met on May 23, 2017 following the annual award ceremony to share their thoughts about students, faculty and their community partners who are participating in Civic Engagement through unpaid service in community settings. Click here for a 21-minute video of parts of the program. Click here for photos of the 2016 Advisory Board meeting. For more information about Civic Engagement at BCC, contact Coordinator Erin Smith at 508-678-2811, Ext.3092.

(Top row) New Bedford Dennison Memorial Community Center CEO James Mathes emcees the annual award ceremony in the Commonwealth Center at Bristol Community College and introduces President Jack Sbrega and Junior Achievement of SE Mass President Jeffrey Pelletier. (Row two) Dean of Teaching and Learning Suzanne Buglione and Civic Engagement Coordinator Erin Smith acknowledge the students and faculty who have exemplified the mission of the Civic Engagement program. (Row three, center) Service-Learning Student of the Year Vanessa Little is acknowledged by President Sbrega and Ms. Smith. (Row four) Kathleen Burns makes a point while Dr. Dwight Giles of UMass-Boston talks with Partners Executive Director Dr. David Weed and Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey. (Bottom row) BCC faculty member Robyn Worthington responds as student Amy Blanchette makes a point and BCC Science Professor James Pelletier responds as former BCC Director of Civic Engagement Dr. Mary Zahm listens..