SEAS's focus on service learning within the local community is being recognized both inside and outside the University. Recent stories in The New York Times and in Columbia's university-wide publication, The Record , and on the Columbia web site describe many of the School's initiatives in this area, all spearheaded by Dr. Jack McGourty, associate dean of undergraduate studies. In fact, McGourty was chosen by students to close the event, "Columbia University Serves 2008," a program sponsored by undergraduate student councils and student groups prior to the ServiceNation Summit at Columbia that featured Senators John McCain and Barak Obama.

The roots of service learning at SEAS go back to 2001, when McGourty transformed the School's first-year design course, "Engineering Fundamentals Using Advanced Computing Technologies," into a community-based learning experience. "We know that real-world experience enhances the educational experience and that we should be encouraging the formation of a new generation of engineers who are socially responsible as well as being technologically skilled," says McGourty. "Being an active part of a community presents many opportunities for our students to undertake projects for local nonprofit organizations and local public schools. We have over 700 students now working on more than 100 projects. The standard of success is whether our community client gets tangible results they can truly use."

Projects have included a sandwich holder for severely disabled students, a playground swing for youngsters confined to wheelchairs, interactive maps for the Bronx Zoo, greenroofs, a layout for the headquarters of the 125th Street Business Improvement District, layouts for multi-use classrooms in local public schools, and a universally accessible educational greenhouse. Most recently, it was announced in August that the student-designed amphitheater for Marcus Garvey Park will be built by the City, supported in part by a $1 million gift from the Richard Rodgers Foundation. The Morningside Park Alliance was the student group's client.

By 2006, it became clear there was a need for a more organized unit to coordinate the burgeoning community service initiatives within the School and so the Center for Technology, Innovation and Community Engagement was created, with McGourty as executive director.

In this role, McGourty oversees programs that have grown beyond undergraduate courses to include K-12 programming and workforce development programs for residents from Harlem and other neighboring communities.

Last year, CTICE added entrepreneurship training to its growing portfolio of activities. It introduced an interdisciplinary minor in entrepreneurship for SEAS students and has begun an Engaged Entrepreneurship Program. In addition to developing and implementing innovative entrepreneurship education for Engineering students and faculty, this program will involve socially engaged entrepreneurs and members of the local community. Programs for students will include a student venture program and an entrepreneur-in-residence program.

Links:

• "At Columbia, Students Mix Studies With Volunteer Work, for Credits." The New York Times, September 10, 2008.
• "Columbia: Serving & Learning." The Record (Special). [See Pages 1 and 4.]