Service Learning
More than half of our faculty in any given semester integrate service-learning into their coursework. This cultivates in students a sense of responsibility for the welfare of others, promotes partnerships between the College and local community and enhances a fuller understanding of social, economic and environmental sustainability. Examples include:
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In the spring ‘09, a ceramics class participated in Bowls For Hunger, coordinated by Rutland High School. The bowls were donated to a supper event which raised money for the Rutland Community Cupboard through ticket. Students were required to attend the event and reflect upon the experience.
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An environmental science class helped the Catamount Trail Association maintain a section of their cross-country ski trail in the fall ’08.
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GMC students mapped faculty and staff transportation miles in a GIS course. The project was requested by the Campus Sustainability Council to begin reducing the ecological footprint produced by transportation. Learn more.
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Environmental studies students have worked with the Watershed Alliance to educate over 200 local area students on water quality education and hands-on, field-based science.
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A GIS course created a map of local producers for the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link’s (RAFFL) Locally Grown Guide.
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A media seminar course taught students to analyze and produce an environmental documentary. Students were responsible for collectively selecting a community partner, assessing their needs and producing visual content for them. They selected the Vermont Cavers Association, for which they produced an 8 minute documentary about White Nose Bat Syndrome; they presented this film in a public forum. Watch the film.
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Students in Food, Society and the Environment conducted interviews for the senior outreach program of the Poultney Food Shelf and conducted "food histories" for these residents.
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A place-based education class created place-based themed resource boxes for the summer state park interpreters in southwestern Vermont and prepared and presented a program at the Eco Expo, which provided local elementary students with hands-on, place-based education programming.