In 2011 a partnership between Tisch College and the Eliot Pearson Department of Child Development was established to prepare and lead Tufts undergraduates to work with the New Orleans community over spring break.

Application Deadline Monday, February 13th !

Students volunteer at the Langston Hughes Academy (LHA) Charter School with the support of New Orleans Outreach. The mission of New Orleans Outreach is to improve the quality of public education at partner schools. Learn more about New Orleans Outreach by visiting http://www.nooutreach.org/

Students are also mentored and hosted by Lisa Schlakman, an alumna of the child development graduate program. Schlakman has been the catalyst and facilitator of this work since 2006.

Spring Break 2012
12 Tufts undergraduates will work with teachers, staff and students at LHA and the Wilcox Academy of Early Learning, LHA’s pre-kindergarten partner. The three main projects will include:

• Engaging middle school students in discussion and activities related to high school and college preparedness,
• Tutoring in many subject areas, and
• Helping to build a garden at Wilcox Academy

Trip Dates
Saturday, March 17 – Friday, March 23

Service Dates
Monday, March 19 – Thursday, March 22

Cost
The trip costs an estimated $750 per person, which covers airfare, hotel and meals. Modest financial support is available to select applicants

View the New Orleans Spring Break Scrapbook

Prior to the Service Trip

• Take active leadership roles in planning, preparing and conducting the trip
• Communicate regularly with trip leaders and peers by email and phone
• Attend 4, 1-2 hour mandatory group meetings prior to the trip. Meetings will be held the weeks of February 20th, February 27th, March 5th and March 12th Exact date and times will be scheduled based on student availability
• Complete 1 reading prior to each weekly meeting

During the Service Trip

• Contribute fully during all group activities and service efforts
• Participation in regular group discussion and evening group reflections

On Return to Tufts

• Attend a debrief following the trip
• Share experiences at April Open House
• Future Engagement
• Share the New Orleans Service Trip experience at various events, including information sessions, and April Open House with prospective students and parents.
• Graduating seniors stay engaged as new alumni by supporting recruitment and staying connect to the initiative and Tisch College

Application and Selection Process
Interested Students:

• Attend an information session from on Sunday, February 5th, 12-1pm, Tisch College, Lincoln Filene Hall, Rabb Room
• Submit an online application on Monday, February 13th, no later than 9:00am
• Select students will interview with the Program Coordinator the week of February 13th
• Applicants will receive final notified by Monday, February 20th