Monday, December, 10th, 2018 News
By Francisca Infante E.
Dean for Social Science
Universidad de las Américas, Chile
The 2018 MacJannet Prize honorable mention, “Community Intervention Program” at Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) in Chile connects the university with neighborhoods for community engagement projects. Students in a variety of disciplines apply, in a meaningful and concrete way, what they are studying in the classroom in a real world setting. In partnership with community leaders, students explore complex questions and co-develop action plans to implement projects and initiatives that contribute to the health and well-being of the community.
The program currently involves approximately 4,000 students, from eight disciplines (Architecture, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Nursing, Nutrition, Speech Therapy and Social Work), in three regions of the country. The students work with more than a hundred fifty community leaders. Over the course of eight semesters (4 years), they implement an academic curriculum based on a conceptual framework rooted in human development, civic engagement and social capital. The program undergoes progress evaluations each semester and product (or initiatives) evaluations every two years. In 2016, the program underwent a large impact evaluation at the university and in the community which outlined important improvements and strategic directions for the future.
In this reflection, I share the main lessons learned for strengthening community partnerships among a diverse set of stakeholders while ensuring students become empowered and fulfill their learning outcomes. The goal is to share these valuable lessons with Talloires Network members and partners.
The success and implications of UDLA´s Community Intervention Program are largely attributed to a framework of continued evaluation and decision making where the needs and goals of all stakeholders involved are considered. In 2016, we evaluated the first cohort of graduates who, according to employers and alumni evaluations and debriefs, had developed a deep commitment to community and public work as a result of the program.