Leadership & Service

Discover Service Learning: Make A Difference in Local and National Communities

What is service learning?

Service learning is a form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection. Service-learning places an emphasis on working closely with community partners to address community concerns. Students who engage in service learning learn about the connection between their service, their academic coursework, and their roles as citizens.

What is Alternative Break?

An alternative break is an immersion service-learning trip where small groups of college students engage in community-based service and cultural immersion for a few days to make a difference in local and/or statewide communities. At SUNY WCC we offer both weekend and 5 to 7-day-long alternative break trips. Each trip focuses on a particular social issue, such as (but not limited to) poverty, education reform, food insecurity, criminal justice reform, or the environment. The trip emphasizes other aspects of life such as community, mindfulness, and wellness.

Learn about ASB and how to apply

How Our Alternative Spring Break Operates:

Our Alternative Spring Break program is divided into three major components that is required for all selected students to participate in:

• Pre-Service Workshops: Groups will learn history and facts about the chosen topic and discuss the trip logistics and service projects the group will focus on.
• During Service: Groups will perform their service-learning activities. At the end of each day, groups will reflect on their experiences while utilizing at least one of the eight learning components of alternative breaks: abstaining from alcohol and other drugs, direct service, diversity/social justice, education, orientation, reflection, and re-orientation, and training.
• Post-Service Ceremony: Groups will do an overall assessment of the experiences they had during the Alternative Spring Break.

Who Leads The Groups?

Each trip is led by one to two student leaders who are selected through an application process. The student leaders are partnered with faculty/staff mentors to facilitate the overall trip theme, logistics, and individual and group reflection process.

How To Participate:

To serve as a general group member for a weekend or 5 to 7 day trip, each student must complete an application detailing the reasons why they are interested in the selected alternative break topic and answer a series of questions centered around any previous community service experience.

How To Apply:

APPLY HERE

• Complete this application by Monday, October 28, 2024 at 12pm.
• Applicants will be notified on Friday, November 1, 2024.
• You must be in good academic standing (2.0 or above) and good judicial standing and have paid the student activity fee (at least 1 registered class on the Valhalla main campus.)Requirements, if selected:
• If selected, you will be required to attend weekly meetings in the fall semester.  These are vital to the success of the ASB trip – you will meet other participants, become informed of the trip location, and you will become better educated on the trip’s social issues.
•  If selected, you will be required to pay a $50.00 non-refundable deposit to secure your seat. This is to ensure that everyone is committed to the trip and the forthcoming requirements upon selection.
• Meetings will take place Wednesdays from 11am-1pm on November 6, 13, 20, December 4 and 11, 2024.

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call the Department of Student Involvement at 914-606-6731.

Past Alternative Spring Break Topics:

• March 2018: Food Insecurity, New York City
• October 2018: The Environment, Wildlife, and Us, Westchester
• March 2019: Criminal Justice in America: Prison, Probation, and Parenting in lock-up, New York and Philadelphia
• March 2019: Immigration and Border Issues, San Diego, CA
• March 2020: Understanding Neighborhood Regeneration and Empowering Communities, Chicago, IL
• March 2020: The Oceans and their Eco-Systems, Newport, RI
• March 2021: Immigration in the U.S., Virtual
• March 2021: Bodies of Water and Eco-Systems, Virtual
• March 2021: Criminalization and Incarceration, Virtual
• March 2022: Community Revitalization and Immigration on the U.S./Mexico Border, San Diego, CA
• March 2024: Unsheltered People and the Impact of Community Displacement, NYC, NY
• March 2024: Hurricane Disaster Relief and Global Warming, Fort Myers, FL

The BlackXcellence Leadership Program is a 5-week, leadership development experience for emerging Black student leaders and aimed at empowering the Black students of SUNY Westchester. This program intends to develop a safe space for individual growth and the formation of community among fellow Black leaders. The foundation of this program is based on Dr. Yosso’s Cultural Wealth model and through it, Black students will enhance professional skills within a communal space while learning how to pivot leadership potential towards action.

Each week students will learn from a Black leader within the SUNY Westchester community who will share valuable wisdom, guidance, and mentorship. Through these efforts, the BlackXcellence Leadership Program hopes to further equip students as they become successful leaders and maximize the endless opportunities available to them throughout the college and beyond.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must be identify as Black SUNY Westchester students and have an open mind and an eagerness to discover their leadership potential. BlackXcellence participants must commit to the FULL 5 weeks of the program.

NOTE: Sessions will occur in person and every Tuesday of April from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

APPLY HERE

Application process opens in mid-February of 2025

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected]

Discover Your Leadership Potential: Make A Positive Change In Society

The Commit to Change Leadership Development Program is an experience that is guaranteed to be like no other offered at SUNY Westchester Community College. As a member of this highly selective program, participants will:

• Learn about and use leadership skills one never knew one possessed.
• Work with peers to create positive social change at SUNY Westchester Community College and the community as a whole.
• Bond and become close friends with the members of the cohort.
• Have the opportunity to apply for and attend the highly prestigious Clinton Global Initiative University.

All SUNY Westchester Community College students, who have an open mind and an eagerness to discover their potential as leader are welcome to participate in Commit to Change.
Participants must commit to the full 12 weeks of the series.

The Commit to Change Leadership Development Program follows the Social Change Model of Leadership, which focuses on enhancing leadership on the individual, group, and community levels.

INDIVIDUAL
In order to be a leader, individuals
need to know the skills they possess and how to use them. Participants will use reflection and various interactive techniques to learn more about their values, ethics, and personal strengths in terms of leadership. Participants will also delve into their past to discover how it affects their perception of people and situations.

GROUP
The classroom experience and the work world have moved to team based approachies of learning and problem-solving. Participants in this series will go in-depth training and working together towards a common purpose while learning the art of conflict resolution through civil discourse.

COMMUNITY
The goal of the entire program is to help participants leave their legacy while changing their community for the better. In doing so, participant are learning the importance of how various components of the community interact, as well as how to influence and cultivate change.

Here is what some of the past members of the Commit to Change program have said about their experiences:

“I think it is an enlightening program; it shows you that change is possible. It guides you so that you can act upon the change you want to see in the world. ”

“I loved being part of the Commit To Change Leadership Development Program. Not only did I grow as a leader, but with the knowledge I gained, I was able to impact the college community and create social change. The best part of the program was being part of something bigger, creating something on my own, a legacy.” – Bianca B., Spring 2020 Cohort

How Do I Apply?

Applicants must be SUNY Westchester Community College students with an open mind and an eagerness to discover their potential as a leader. Participants must commit to the full 12-week series. In order to graduate from the program, students must complete all sessions.

NOTE: Sessions will be offered in Person

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, January 17th, 2025 at 12pm

C2C Spring 2025 Application

If you would like to learn more about the Commit to Change Program, email us at [email protected]

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call the Department of Student Involvement at 914-606-6731.

LatinXcellence Leadership Program

The LatinXcellence Leadership Program is a 5-week, leadership development experience for Latinx emerging leaders aimed at empowering the Latinx students of SUNY Westchester Community College, by providing them with a safe space for individual growth and the formation of relationships among fellow Latinx student leaders. This program is based on Dr. Yosso’s Cultural Wealth model and through it, Latinx students will enhance professional skills, build an understanding of various Latinx cultures, and learn how to pivot leadership potential towards action. Through these efforts, the LatinXcellence Leadership Program hopes to equip Latinx students with the tools necessary to be successful leaders and maximize the endless opportunities available to them throughout college and beyond.

Here is what a past member of the LatinXcellence Leadership Program had to say about this experience:

“LatinXcellence was the leadership development program that I didn’t know I needed. I can’t express enough how invaluable it was to connect and grow with other Latinx student leaders. Through this program, I was able to reconnect with my roots and tap into skills and strengths that had been buried away. I left the program with a deep sense of pride and a desire to showcase my talents.” – Vanessa G., FA 2020 LatinXcellent Leader

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must be Latinx SUNY WCC students and have an open mind and an eagerness to discover their leadership potential. LatinXcellence participants must commit to the FULL 4 weeks of the program.

NOTE: Program begins Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 and ends Tuesday, October 29th, 2024. Sessions will occur in person every Tuesday 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 at 12 PM

LatinXcellence Fall 2024 Application

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call the Department of Student Involvement at 914-606-6731.

MINDFUL WARRIOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:

The Mindful Warrior Leadership Program is an experience that is guaranteed to be like no other offered at SUNY Westchester Community College. As a member of this selective program, students have the opportunity to enhance leadership skills, intentionally elevate their individual self-concept, develop an enhanced awareness regarding one’s individual life purpose, and foster a heightened sense of clarity and compassion towards both themselves and others.

This program is a 4-week leadership development series that shares how mindful leadership and mindfulness principles/tools can assist with stress reduction and the enhancement of individual leadership practices. Students that participate in this program will enhance cognitive skills that support their academic performance, strengthen overall well-being, cultivate positive psychological states, and reduce anxiety.

REQUIREMENTS:

UNDER THE CLUB & ORGANIZATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
In order to be eligible to participate, students must meet the following criteria, unless approved by the Director of Student Involvement:

1. Be enrolled in at least one (1) credit-bearing course at SUNY Westchester Community College for the Spring semester
2. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
3. Be in good disciplinary and academic standing

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must be current SUNY WCC students and have an open mind and an eagerness to discover their leadership potential while molding themselves into more compassionate individuals. Mindful Warrior participants must commit to the FULL 4 weeks of the program.

NOTE: Sessions occur in person every Tuesday 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 12pm.

Mindful Warrior Spring 2025 Application

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call the Department of Student Involvement at 914-606-6731.

MINDFUL WARRIOR TESTIMONIALS:

Here is what a past member of the Mindful Warrior Leadership Program had to say about this experience.

“The Mindful Warrior Program encourages awareness of thought behaviors, remaining present when enduring internal or external stressors, and how body language can have an effect on the individual as well as to whom it’s being displayed too. Learning to remain in the moment, not to dwell on the past, and to dismantle anxiety about the future. Engaging with others genuinely with reciprocity, building a conversation instead of just waiting for the cue to respond…. How applying thoughtfulness methods allows for improved communication and understanding among individuals working together, regardless of the adversity…The Mindful Warrior Program has improved my experience of life and I am grateful to have been a part of a program with a wholesome mission.” – Joe C., FA 2019 Mindful Warrior

Orientation is an important part of the first-year experience and is where incoming students transition to life at SUNY Westchester Community College. During orientation, students will meet other new Vikings, work with current students who are Orientation Leaders, and learn what life will look like as a SUNY WCC student.

The Orientation Leader (OL) Program is a unique experience for current SUNY WCC Students in developing leadership and other transferable skills that can be used throughout their academic and professional careers. OLs work closely with first-year students who attend both in-person and virtual Orientation programs by facilitating small group activities and workshops. OLs are known to be active at the college, have strong GPAs, and have a genuine desire to give back. Students in this program make bonds and lifelong memories by participating in a two-night retreat, high-energy development programs, and much more.

The Student Employee Excellence Development (SEED) Program, provides the Department of Student Involvement’s (DSI) Federal Work Study Assistants (FWS) with opportunities to enhance their workplace knowledge, expand upon life and professional skills, and further develop individually outlined career goals.

Through the SEED Program, students will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a compassionate, knowledgeable, and empowering supervisor to discuss and process their work experiences, interests, and individualized development goals.

The FWS Assistant Supervisor will work with students to design a customized personal and professional development plan based on their individually outlined goals and DSI professional staff recommendations.

Additional Details

1. Bi-Weekly Supervisory Meetings.
2. Monthly Progress Discussions.
3. All progress discussions will be documented, filed and reviewed at the time of each evaluation.
4. Monthly FWS Assistant Staff Meetings.
5. End of Semester Development Sessions.
6. Access to Department of Student Involvement communication loop systems.
7. Length of program participation is contingent on FWS Assistant assignment within the DSI and FWS amount awarded.
8. Student Employees must review and complete a SEED Daily Task List and any assigned tasks by the end of each shift. If a task is not completed, the FWS Assistant is responsible for communicating the gap in completion to the next FWS Assistant scheduled.

Meetings mentioned above are scheduled at the start of the FWS Assistant’s employment period.

DSI FWS Assistant Qualifications:

1. Must be a currently enrolled student at SUNY Westchester.
2. Must be approved for and receive Work Study Financial Aid at time of employment.
3. Must meet the FWS Assistant minimum 2.0 GPA requirement.
4. Must be in good academic and judicial standing.
5. Ability to work in a team environment and amongst diverse groups required.
6. Have and be able to maintain a positive and self-motivated attitude.
7. Have good time management and communication skills.
8. Able to accurately take and transfer calls/messages to correct individuals.
9. Comfort in frequently greeting and directing visitors to appropriate individuals/area.
10. Assist with the maintenance and cleanliness of the DSI and its areas/equipment.
11. Assist in the maintenance and utilization of office filing and storage systems.
12. Ability to collect, sort, and distribute incoming mail to appropriate individuals.

A few benefits of the DSI’s SEED program:

• Develop professional connections with various faculty, staff, administrators and students while learning more about college processes and the resources available at SUNY Westchester.
• Ability to turn employment into a personal and professional development opportunity.
• Obtain transferable skills by participating in various skills development sessions.
• Improve upon various life and work skills such as time management, professional written and verbal communication, work related stress management and much more.
• Ability to study and complete college assignments in between work tasks.
• Increase cultural competency and ability to work effectively with diverse individuals.
• Receive assistance in the development of individual career goals.
• Learn to connect temporary student work to lifetime career goals.

FWS Assistants that complete the program in good standing will leave with:

• Letter(s) of recommendation upon successful completion of the program.
• References for college transfer and employment opportunities.
• Ability to upgrade resume with additional skills, insights, and professional knowledge.
• An enhanced sense of personal development with the support of diverse mentors.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must have been awarded a Federal Work Study allotment through the Office of Financial Aid and receive FWS Assistant work approval from Melonie Cassells, Enrollment Program Specialist/ Federal Work Study/Peer Leader Coordinator. Once applicants have received the aforementioned, they are welcome to email the Assistant Director of Student Involvement for Leadership Programs and set up an interview (contingent on work availability).

For additional information, or to request an interview email [email protected]