Do you want to enhance your learning at ETSU? Introducing the 2023 Go Beyond the Classroom mini-grants, students can now experience community engagement and hands-on opportunities that will help their future careers.

“The mini-grants are used to facilitate activities and learning that will address those learning outcomes,” said Susan McCracken, vice provost for Community Engagement. “Helping students feel more connected, retain students at a higher level, and it also helps students graduate and increase graduation rates.”

ETSU’s Inaugural mini-grants have introduced a new form of learning. McCracken alongside the provost’s office has been hard at work developing a plan to get students engaged and active with school and career goals. Students can explore this exciting experience by enrolling in Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) courses starting this school year.

“As part of this quality enhancement plan, the provost and the president have identified funding for help to develop these types of experiences,” said McCracken.

With these mini-grants, faculty and staff use them to provide funding for course materials, travel, conferences and various ways to enhance learning.  Students will dive into high-impact practices and understand how to connect to their academic courses, and how their CEL course will impact their future and how they can contribute to a diverse society.

Since February 2023, the quality enhancement plan has been submitted to SACSCOC, and by December 2023, there should be approval of ETSU’s plan. McCracken and the provost’s office are in the works to ensure that CEL courses are long-term experiences and that students can get the opportunities to be a part of something special.

There are five different mini-grants in five different majors to apply for. If you’re interested in participating in one of the experiences, visit https://www.etsu.edu/community-engagement/  Go beyond the classroom and get involved in life-changing experiences.

(Contributed/ETSU)