Social work students of ETSU may have the option next academic year of reaching out into rural communities in the central mountainous Appalachian counties.
The social work department has a made a proposal to New Century Councils that it be allowed to join the Expanding Community Partnerships Prog-ram, sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. If accepted, the department would apply for a yearlong grant.
Students in nursing, medicine and nutrition have been a part of the program since it came ETSU nine years ago. The local community council in Mountain City has shown an interest for social work to be involved with the program for several years.
The program goes into Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson and Unicoi counties. Within these communities, participants would work with children’s language, culture and nutrition.
“I can never assume what a community needs,” said Dr. James Ayers, chair of the department of social work. “I let the people tell me what they need.”
One problem area may be juvenile delinquency. For instance, why are adolescents acting out in school?
According to the Kellogg Foundation, broad mutlidisciplinary partnerships linking student learning, faculty expertise and community resources to meet identified needs do not become ends unto themselves, but a framework for multiple “give-get” interactions.
“The idea that ETSU faculty and staff can become involved in community issues and welfare will provide opportunities for the students to get direct and practical educational experiences,” Ayers said.
Ayers added that relationships in communities are strengthened when universities can give guidance and support. Students may be required to do an internship with the proposed program in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
ETSU is one of only four universities to promote positive changes in the community and serve residents through the Expanded Community Partner-ship Program.
Call 439-4372 for more information.

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