'Fostering Success'

Students in the Sullivan-Deckard Scholars program come to Cleveland State University unique among their peers because they're transition to campus life from foster care. The Sullivan-Deckard Scholars program, managed by the Office of Inclusion & Multicultural Engagement, is coming to the close of its inaugural year. 

Over the past year, staff have been integrating service learning into the Sullivan-Deckard Scholars' academic experience in order to prepare them for success in the classroom and graduation.

"Service learning is a form of experiential learning where theory from the classroom meets practice, in real-time situations," said Sandra Golden, Ph.D., Coordinator, Multicultural Engagement & Student Success Initiatives. "Service learning activities are intended to provide the Sullivan-Deckard Scholars the opportunity to integrate and apply academic knowledge in meaningful ways that address genuine needs in the community and promote a sense of social and civic responsibility."

Examples of some of the students' recent service learning projects include serving meals at the Ronald McDonald House, sorting donations for the Homeless Stand-down and making blankets to donate to the Salvation Army Shelter for women and children.