Center for Civic Engagement launches community-based work-study program

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas is one of the 12 community agencies partnering in the Rowdy Corps program.

The Center for Civic Engagement, in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Enrollment Services, is launching a unique community-based work-study program called Rowdy Corps. The program is a first of its kind at UTSA.

Rowdy Corps is designed to place students in local non-profits to complete their required work-study hours. The students will receive valuable applied learning experiences in a variety of agency settings, such as child welfare, arts and culture, public communication, adult education, and environmental impact.

"Rowdy Corps is an initiative to align high impact practices that enhance student learning and engagement," said Brian Halderman, director of the Center for Civic Engagement. "Community based learning through a work-study position is a win-win for the student and our area community partners."

Additional programming will be provided through the academic year by the Center for Civic Engagement to enhance students' understanding of the San Antonio community, build civic leadership skills and reflect upon their experiences.

For the program's first year, there are 15 student positions available at 12 partnering agencies, including Artpace, ChildSafe-SA, Christian Senior Services (Meals on Wheels program), Family Services Association, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, Good Samaritan Community Services, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, KLRN, NOWCastSA, Providence Place, San Antonio Youth Literacy, and The DoSeum.

"We are grateful for the support of so many excellent community partner agencies that are providing valuable experiences for our students," Halderman said. "We are looking forward to working with the first cohort of Rowdy Corps students."