Four students in HSSJ were chosen for an exemplar award at the Symposium on Community Engaged Scholarship. Shayna Druckman and group members Sophie Clemens, Alexia Veiga, and Grayson Hussong recently won the award.
Their project in Dr. Emily Morrison’s Human Services & Social Justice was charged with the task of researching, navigating, identifying key components, programs and services catering to Senior Citizens in Ward 8. They focused on Ward 8 Seniors access to resources such as transportation, and services.
Their research involved interacting with the members in the community. The group attended community meetings and even met with a community leader to understand the feel and culture of Ward 8. Due to COVID-19 the weren’t able to interview Senior Citizens in Ward 8, but instead used published articles and studies to better understand issues in the area. They reached out to local non-profits to understand how senior citizens interact with Ward 8. Shayna noted, “It changed my perspective on Ward 8 especially because we hear a lot of negative connotations of Ward 8, and it removed my bias because I was able to research and learn the rich culture of Ward 8.”
If you would like to view their virtual presentation click here.
To learn more about all symposium prize winners click here.