Chambana Sun

The Equity and Engagement Department at the University of Illinois (U of I) recently concluded its semester-long internship program, in collaboration with the School of Social Work's Community Learning Lab (CLL). The CLL aims to foster connections between the university students and the local community, fostering mutual benefits in areas such as sustainability, service, growth, and education. This semester, the program hosted four interns who engaged in valuable experiential learning opportunities.

The interns were tasked with gathering data on the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program and researching regional human rights offices. These efforts aimed to support the department's ongoing initiatives in these areas. One of the interns reflected on their experience, stating, "...I gained a lot of insight about community outreach, and learned about how to make complex fliers more digestible to the public. I now have a bigger perspective of what governmental departments can do for communities, and that there are a lot of ways that they can do good."

The internship provided the students with a unique opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting. It allowed them to develop marketable skills and enhance their educational experiences. The partnership between the university and the community proved to be mutually beneficial, as the interns gained valuable insights and contributed to the department's important work.

The Equity and Engagement Department remains committed to its mission of promoting equity and inclusivity within the community. Through initiatives like the CLL internship program, they continue to foster a culture of engagement and social responsibility among the university students.

This semester's internship program exemplifies the department's dedication to creating meaningful experiences for students while simultaneously making a positive impact on the community. The partnership between the U of I's School of Social Work and the Equity and Engagement Department underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing societal challenges.

As the semester comes to a close, the Equity and Engagement Department expresses its gratitude to the interns for their hard work and contributions. Their efforts have undoubtedly helped advance the department's goals and initiatives. The department also extends its appreciation to the CLL for facilitating this valuable experiential learning opportunity.

The success of the internship program further highlights the importance of providing students with practical experiences that complement their academic studies. The Equity and Engagement Department and the CLL's partnership serves as a model for other institutions seeking to bridge the gap between education and community engagement.

Moving forward, the Equity and Engagement Department remains committed to supporting students' growth and education while addressing the pressing needs of the community. Through initiatives like the CLL internship program, they continue to make a positive impact and foster a generation of socially responsible citizens.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://champaignil.gov/2023/12/15/ee-intern-wrap-up/