In fulfilling CER, many students independently build their own narrative curriculum to serve a non-profit agency or school. These service internships give students a glimpse into issues facing our society and also build their life experiences. Students decide whom to serve, where to serve, and why to serve at the agency of their choosing. The following courses are a few options you might consider offered in fall, spring, May, and over the summer:
1. CSI 300A COMMUNITY SERVICE INTERNSHIP (3-UNIT) 80-HOUR Service Internship at a nonprofit agency or school of the student’s choice. Includes a narrative contract, journal entries (8), evaluations, timesheet, final paper, and a group verbal reflection.
2. CSI 300B COMMUNITY SERVICE INTERNSHIP (0 UNIT) Previous or current paid work in public service through work study, volunteer service, or a nonprofit job for at least 80 hours. Includes a timesheet and final reflective paper.
3. CSI 301A INITIATIVE (1 UNIT) 30-HOUR OR (2 UNITS) 60-HOUR Service Internship tied into an academic course. Includes a placement contract, journal entries, evaluations, timesheet, final paper, and a group verbal reflection.
4. CSI 360A SPECIAL TOPICS COURSES Faculty taught CSI special topics that integrate service with the curriculum. Faculty establishes their own take-home assignments and facilitate reflections. This is a popular Mayterm option for students!
5. CROSS-LISTED DEPARTMENTAL COURSES Faculty taught courses integrating a strong service component that fulfills the CER internship requirement.
"I got to learn how to be in charge, lead, assign things to new volunteers, send referrals, and I have more self-confidence. I know my service has made a difference."
"I had a wonderful time helping out at McKinley Elementary school. I am sure to go back to help continue doing community service in many other ways."
"I am extremely grateful for the internship [at the Nature Conservancy], it was a priceless life experience."
"My experience at the Children's Center was by far one of the greatest experiences in my pursuit towards a great career."
"I would recommend other students to serve at the LaFourcade Gardens. We all need a place to breathe peacefully."
"What matters the most though, when giving your time, is to find something you truly connect with; a project that gives meaning back to you as you gift your time to it."
"My experience [in Peru] was so enriching and I hope other volunteers in the future have the opportunity to learn what I learned. It was by far my favorite adventure."
"The connection I made with the other farmers here is something that will stick with me for quite some time, because it makes me believe that people really are genuine at heart."
"I learned a lot about compassion and sympathy from my time at Beagle Freedom Project. I learned that no kind deed is ever too small."
"Service is not simply for the benefit of those volunteering, by teaching them to be more humble and giving, but also for the people who depend on the service of others."
"I believe my time at the Yucaipa Branch Library was critical in terms of service outreach because it taught me to embrace the goodness of humanity."
