Description

In the Metro Urban Studies Term (MUST) students actively delve into major challenges of our time: poverty, inequality, and social change. To understand these issues, the program focuses on the economy, housing systems, education, welfare, government policies, urban sprawl, regional race ad class segregation and institutional discrimination. Connecting these issues is at the core of the program. Instead of just learning about these problems, students explore solutions and become engaged in organizations committed to social transformation. Through critical thinking set into action, HECUA students analyze policy, lobby elected officials and engage communities. This program focuses on learning the basics of organizing in communities and workplaces, how to persuade others to become critically engaged, and how to be an effective advocate for issues and people. Building these skills is valuable for social change as well as personal and community development.

Highlights

Minneapolis- St.Paul will be our classroom. The region is an ideal context for the study of poverty and inequality plaguing the nation's urban centers. The area is increasingly diverse and has a strong and vibrant economy, yet many people are not sharing in this vitality. As in most large, urban regions, there is a growing gap between rich and poor, increasing geographic and social segregation and polarization between these groups. Forty-five percent of the children in the "core" of the Twin Cities live at or below the poverty line, and an educational gap between racial groups worries many policymakers, parents, educators, and students.

This area is also home to an exciting array of organizations that are addressing all of these issues. many of these organizations are internship sites for our students and provide hands-on learning to make social change happen.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

* You must have completed your first year in college
* You must be in good academic standing-2.0 GPA or higher (any GPA lower than 2.5 will receive extra evaluation)
* You must meet all requirements of the specific HECUA program
* You must complete all home campus requirements for off-campus study

All students are welcome on HECUA programs. Selection is based on your completed application, past academic performance, recommendations,and the match between the program and your own interests, goals and expectations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Inquire for more info.

Program Fees Include:

Tuition, internship placement and supervision and all course-related field visits.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Scholarships are Available

HECUA provides up to three USD 750 Merit scholarships and two USD 1,500 Scholarships for Social Justice for semester-length programs each fall and spring. More information about the application process for either scholarship is available on the HECUA website or by contacting the organization.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript

Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs's Mission Statement

HECUA is an organization of 18 liberal arts colleges, universities and associations dedicated to education for social justice. Together we shape academically rigorous, study-abroad and off-campus study programs that address the most pressing issues in our neighborhoods, nations and world. This unique educational collaboration engages students, faculty and practitioners in learning that generates knowledge and tools for social transformation and community building. At HECUA we learn by seeing, reflecting and acting with others. HECUA specializes in integrating theory and practice, bringing together key disciplines that equip students to be active citizens and leaders - locally and globally.