Urban Education Initiative

What is it?
The Urban Education Initiative is an innovative service learning program that brings Smith students to partner elementary, middle, and high schools in New York City, Chicago, Boston, and nearby Springfield. Urban Education Fellows, Smith undergraduates who are not necessarily planning careers in education, spend three weeks in January at one of the partner schools providing one-on-one tutoring, assisting in classrooms, and helping students who are applying to college. The goal of this program is to encourage Smith students to become leaders in this important field by enhancing their understanding of the theoretical, practical, and human issues facing urban youth and city schools. Urban Education Fellows work under the guidance of faculty and the educational outreach office staff, and attend fall semester orientation sessions and weekly discussion sessions throughout January. Smith students have the option of earning credit through conducting follow-up special studies projects in spring semester.

How do I learn more?
Contact the program directors--Sam Intrator, Lucy Mule, Gail Scordilis, Doug Winsor--and check our Notice Board for program updates.

“I doubt I’ll ever have another experience like this. I’ve enjoyed going to work every day and have gained such great respect for the students. That they find enough energy to make the long commute to school, let alone concentrate and be successful in class while working an after school job and taking part in their family lives, makes their presence here truly honorable. I have a lot to learn from them.” -- Smith undergraduate, January 2004 Urban Education Fellow