Restored Faith

Yesterday, after our visit from Kennet and Elin from Sweden, Francisco and I had the pleasure of attending the Helen S. and Alexander W. Astin Civic Engagement Scholars and Fellows Program.

Through the Astin program, coordinated through the UCLA Center for Community Learning, UCLA undergraduates, "...conduct yearlong civic engagement research in there filed of interest. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, student integrate experience gained from work at a community organization with academic scholarship to produce a comprehensive research project."

This year we were very fortunate to have Melissa Pampanin, a senior sociology major, working as an educational coach with us while researching the connection between our students participation in Pathway and the advancement of their educational aspirations.

Melissa presenting her research findings

Not only is Melissa very smart, she is a very reliable, conscientious, and a very hard worker. A great catch for any employer! At the event she was in very good company with five other UCLA undergrads presenting their research. The projects were all very diverse, and required a very deep level of interaction with community groups. I was inspired and it restored my faith that there are many young people that want to make their mark by contributing to their communities.

Poster of Melissa's research

Eric, Melissa, & Francisco

Melissa with Kathy O'Byrne her mentor and Director of the
UCLA Center for Community Learning

Thank you to the UCLA Center for Community Learning specifically Dr. Kathy O'Byrne, for her support of Melissa and Pathway.