Big Poet Give 2023

The Center for Engagement with Communities (CEC) seeks to promote life-long learning and civic engagement in the belief that individual well-being is tied to the strength of communities.

Curricular and co-curricular programming include:

1. Tutoring: intervention tutoring program in partnership with Whittier City School District Whittier College students typically tutor approximately 200-250 students per year. 

2. Fifth Dimension: In partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier, the Whittier Fifth Dimension, play and learning unfold through educational computer games, telecommunications tasks, and Internet investigations that require reading, writing, mathematics, and logical problem-solving.

3. CEPI: A program designed to support the needs of parents/guardians, especially those that are primarily Spanish speaking, of school-aged children in a community group format. Topics include education in technology (how to use Microsoft word, email, PowerPoint, etc.) along with how to support their student (social-emotional support, academic support, social services, etc.) Currently in South Whittier School District, Little Lake School District, East Whittier School District, and a virtual cohort.

4. College Mentoring: Currently located at all Whittier Union High School District sites and the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier. High school Participants partake in field trips to colleges, college preparation workshops, A-G requirements, volunteer opportunities, and more. Parent workshops are also provided (ways to support your student, FAFSA requirements, etc.) Typically 75 students (split between juniors and seniors.)

5. Community Engaged Classes: students and professors take what is happening in the classroom and apply it outside of the classroom! A great example of a community-engaged class is Science Circus: The Science Circus Whittier Project works with families and schools to spark student interest and engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) by providing access to high-quality learning opportunities in Whittier and surrounding communities. This is a Whittier College faculty-led program. Workshops/events are currently offered at East Whittier School District, Whittier Public Library, WYN Club, YMCA of Greater Whittier, and Boys and Girls Club of Whittier.

6. Service opportunities- Whittier college students meet the needs of local community partners by participating in multiple service days throughout the year. Projects/partners have included: serving food at Interfaith Food Center, making dinner for residents of the Whittier Cold Weather Shelter, making gardens and yard work at Bridge of Faith home for girls transitioning out of foster care, mural painting at schools, and renovations at the Whittier Museum.