S.E.R.V.E

Mission Statement

The SERVE Program creates an opportunity for students at the undergraduate level, in particular for those who are considering careers in K-12 education, to learn about the realities of urban classrooms and the needs of the diverse K-12 student population. SERVE interns work with students individually and in small groups to provide academic support and encourage personal growth. It is through this involvement that CSULB students assess their career goals and provide direct service to students and teachers in grades K-12 and to their communities.

Requirements

• Second semester freshman status or above
• GPA of 2.0 or above in all work 
• 40 hours or more in the classroom or other assigned site during one semester
• 4 hours or more per week on site, in at least 2-hour blocks of time

Service to College Students

• Trains you in effective instructional strategies.
• Provides early field experiences in urban classrooms, under the supervision of specially trained teachers.
• Provides selected opportunities for field placements in community agency settings.
• Increases your knowledge of the cultural and social backgrounds of diverse populations.
• Provides an opportunity for you to serve as a role model.
• Helps you gain important insights into the complex mix of factors affecting the achievement of our divers student population.
• Gives you the opportunity to assess teaching as a future career.

Service to Teachers

• Provides literacy or other subject area aides in your classroom.
• Provides instructional support in working with linguistically and culturally diverse students. 
• Provides role models and or buddies for students with needs.
• In some instances, provides same-language support for the parents of students. 
• Offers you the opportunity to contribute your expertise in the beginning stages of the careers of future teachers.

Service to Community

• Raises student academic performance levels.
• Provides linguistically and culturally diverse students with individual attention and out-of-class support by utilizing interns as role models.
• Adds college students as valuable resources to public schools.
• Ties university teacher preparation more closely to the valuable resources found in the community's schools and teachers.

In Their Own Words, Past SERVE Interns Say:

• "I have gained a realistic perspective on what a career in the teaching field is like."
• "I have learned many effective strategies to be used in the classroom."
• "I have acquired the confidence needed to be an effective teacher."

The SERVE Program is administered through the
Center for Collaboration in Education
Director - Dr. Kathryn E. Goddard

A Long Beach Education Partnership Project