Two service-learning projects recently received $2,000 mini-grants from the UHD Office of Community Engagement to promote community outreach and connect classroom theory to practice.

The first project, Leer es crecer - To Read is to Grow, is sponsored by associate professor of urban education Valentina Hardin. With the grant, Hardin plans to create an informal partnership between her Spanish Children's Literature course (PED 3314) and the Houston Public Library. Students in the class will conduct read alouds or story time for Spanish-speaking youngsters of all ages at the Library. Through the program, students will cultivate an appreciation for Spanish literature and gain practical reading education experience while helping to develop a love of reading in young children.

The second grant recipient was Natalia Matveeva, assistant professor of English. Matveeva plans to add a service-learning component to her Proposal Writing course (ENG 3326), which will allow students to write grant proposals, find funding sources and complete other projects for real clients. Through this experience, students will gain valuable experience in the field and develop new communication skills, while also providing organizations with much needed resources and information.

For more information, contact Jean DeWitt, director of Community Engagement, at dewittj@uhd.edu.