Living Well in Community: Using Dewey to Reveal Critical Attributes of a Community-Based Internship Program

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Seeking Dewey's Relevance

Abstract

This study uses the theories and philosophy of Dewey to frame a community-based internship program that strives to promote civic engagement by placing college students in summer internships with organizations committed to working with individuals or families living in poverty. Using utilization-focused evaluation, the authors sought to amplify stakeholder voice to foster a more robust understanding of the critical attributes of an internship program dedicated to advancing the common good. These critical attributes include: 1) recognition that relationships are pivotal, 2) acknowledgement that the work completed for community partners matters, 3) strategically bridging to academic majors supports learning, 4) reflection fosters learning, and 5) preparation cultivates success.

Authors

• Alan Scott Tinkler, Missouri State University

• Barri E. Tinkler, Missouri State University