Innovative Community Engagement with Vulnerable Populations

This program includes pre-program orientation meetings on the Texas State University campus in the spring 2023 semester and will also include a required 7-day field trip to Los Angeles, California.

Study In America Experience

This hybrid, service-learning, Study-in-America course will require students to identify, examine, and critically analyze social service programs in Central Texas and Los Angeles, California which provide services to vulnerable populations (persons experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, criminal justice issues, etc). 

Additional components of the course include 1) required travel to various agencies, communities, and areas of interest throughout Texas; 2) required travel to specific agencies and communities in Los Angeles, California; and 3) active participation in service-learning/volunteer activities within several community agencies. 

The impact of socio-economic and community-based social justice issues is analyzed within the context of human development over the life course with an emphasis on the impact of positive individual and community development. Cultural dynamics are examined in conjunction with issues of equity, justice, and community service provision. This course is designed to be highly experiential and demands thought empathy and action that should be both challenging and rewarding.

Program highlights: Networking, touring, and learning from innovative organizations in the Los Angeles area. Examples include Homeboy Industries, The Japanese American National Museum, Go for Broke, Homebody Industries Art Academy, and lectures from experts in the field of innovation and community outreach.

Program includes:

  • Lodging at the University of Southern California (USC)

  • Linens package for lodging

  • Van transportation while in Los Angeles, California

  • Breakfast and dinner each day (Monday-Friday), dinner the first evening, and breakfast the last day.

  • Entrance to museums.

Department

 School of Social Work 

Course

SOWK 4300K

Innovative Community Engagement with Vulnerable Populations

  

Instructor/Program Director

 Dr. Lea Velez

Email: lrr26@txstate.edu

Course Dates

 7/03/2023 - 8/03/2023

Meeting Dates:

05/11/2023--2 hours

06/14/2023--2 hours

Program Travel Dates

 7/9/2023 - 7/15/2023

 

Study in America Costs

Tuition, Fees, and the Program Fee are financial aid eligible.

TUITION & FEES: $922.08

Undergraduate Rate
3 Hour (1 Course)

PROGRAM FEE: $1,500

Includes Lodging, Shuttle Service between Hotel & Airport, & Some Fees

IMPORTANT NOTE:
All university policies regarding installments, course drops, and refunds apply to all billed and paid tuition and fees. Course tuition and program fee will be billed and paid through SBS Billing and Payment.
 

OUTSIDE EXPENSES NOT INCLUDED IN PROGRAM FEE:

Airfare, some meals, and personal expenses are not included in the program fee.

  • On-site laundry facilities (typically need card method) 
  • Souvenirs 
  • Budget for # Lunches 
  • Some activities may require cash only (Recommended to bring $50)
Expand FAQ List

APPLICATION PROCESS

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 3

Applications are reviewed by the Program Director & ODEL

STEP 4 - REGISTER

ODEL notifies student with registration directions

ELIGIBILITY

Participants must be accepted juniors or seniors in good academic standing in the School of Social Work. 

Space is currently limited to up to 12 students.

------

REGISTERING FOR COURSES

You must register for your course through the Student Information System/CatsWeb during the regular University registration period.

For more information about the content of the program, please contact Dr. Lea Velez

For questions about applying/registering, please contact the Office of Distance and Extended Learning.

Expand FAQ List

  • Course Information

    • SOWK 4300K. Innovative Community Engagement with Vulnerable Populations.

      This hybrid, service-learning, Study-in-America course will require students to identify, examine, and critically analyze social service programs in Central Texas and Los Angeles, California which provide services to vulnerable populations (persons experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, criminal justice issues, etc.). The impact of socio-economic and community-based social justice issues is analyzed within the context of human development over the life course with an emphasis on the impact of positive individual and community development. Cultural dynamics are examined in conjunction with issues of equity, justice, and community service provision. This course is designed to be highly experiential.

      3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
      Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
      Grade Mode: Standard Letter

    • For more information related to Tuition & Fees, please visit the following pages: 

      ODEL- Costs   |   Student Business Services 

  • Drop and Refund Policy

    • Drop Refund - Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus.  Refer to the Registrar's Web site for more information.

    • Students are able to receive a refund on the Program Fee that falls within this refund schedule. This is separate from the refund deadlines associated with tuition costs.

      The following policy applies to students that drop/withdraw from the course -

      • 100% of the Program Fee is Refundable '45' days prior to the course start date.
      • 70% of the Program Fee is Refundable '44' days prior to the course start date. 
      • 50% of the Program Fee is Refundable after the first start date of the course. 

      Students that cannot complete the program and would like to appeal the refund policy, please contact the SIA Coordinator, for more assistance. Please note: the course start date is not the first day of travel. 

  • Covid-19 Travel Information

    • If you are planning to participate in a Texas State Study in America Program you have access to On Call International, which provides medical and travel assistance services. This service is a great benefit in the event you need help while participating in the program. 

  • Study in America FAQ

    • Depending on your financial aid eligibility, it may cover tuition, fees, and the program fee. The only cost for students is the expenses in the non-program fee such as airfare, personal meals, etc. 

    • It is! Both programs provide a travel aspect to the course offering. Study in America focuses on domestic destinations, shorter traveling periods, and is more cost-efficient for the student.