Classroom Connection began as the Merrill Honors Program, founded by a former college provost. The Frosh Scholars Program and Classroom Connection have evolved in the years since, although Frosh Scholars still play a vital role in this community-oriented program. Classroom Connection is of enormous value to its beneficiaries: the students and teachers of Live Oak and Bay View elementary schools, and the UCSC students who have come back year after year for the gratifying experience of working in the classrooms.
| Here's what past Classroom Connection participants have said:
"I truly could never have foreseen that in my desperate scramble for some extra college credits, I would have landed myself in a place that will change my life forever . . . a chance to help our grossly under-funded public schools, a bunch of really cool little friends, and a really good feeling inside."
-Course evaluation from a UCSC student volunteer
"One of the best things about having volunteers in my classroom is having more energy to go around - especially working with a needy population like we serve at Live Oak. Having you guys here means that kids like Emily and Alberto who need a lot of things badly get just a little bit more and it really does make a difference."
-1st Grade teacher, Live Oak Elementary School |
Participating UCSC students volunteer in an elementary school classroom two days each week, attend several course meetings, and receive three units of credit. School placements include activities such as one-on-one mentoring, developing and teaching a lesson, and giving general classroom assistance. Course meetings will address current educational theory and practice through readings and discussion, and provide an outlet for students' observations and experiences in the classroom. Participating Frosh Scholars complete the same requirements, with less time spent in the elementary school classroom, for two credits.
Pass/no pass only. Students must complete 100% of placement hours and attend all course meetings to pass the class. Other requirements for a pass grade include: satisfactory teacher evaluation, punctuality and participation in course meetings, and completion of a final presentation or paper.
classroomconnection@ucsc.edu
(831) 459-2144
Classroom Connection has a "by interview" enrollment process. Students who attend the first course meeting (and orientation) will be given a permission number to enroll in the course. First priority is given to Merrill students and returning participants, but we will do our best to accommodate everyone.
