Community-Based Learning: Psychology, Communication, and Civic Engagement

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and helping humanity? Do you want to explore how psychology communication and integrative health practices can empower social change? This program offers a supportive academic home for students interested in earning credit through internships or community-based projects in fields such as health, psychology, education, youth movements, community arts, and human rights.

Community-Based Learning is designed for students who are ready to engage deeply with community organizations or develop their own projects rooted in civic participation, dialogue, and social justice. Whether you're working in a local nonprofit, organizing youth programs, or conducting oral histories, this program helps you connect your academic learning to real-world impact.

What You’ll Learn:

In the 6-credit academic core, you’ll join a vibrant learning community to explore:

• The psychology of communication: Learn how nonviolent communication, interpersonal neurobiology, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed practices support effective dialogue and relationship-building.

• The psychology of well-being: Learn how to integrate modern neurotransmitter and behavioral science with ancient Ayurvedic practices to create daily lifestyle health designs to stay grounded amidst polarization and focus on accessing high brain centers for innovative ideas and solutions to meet community needs

• Civic engagement and community leadership: Understand how identity, culture, and professional ethics shape community work and advocacy. Students will have the ability to apply theory to practice in learning            

• Creative and reflective practices: Use Theatre for Living, social science writing, and expressive arts/ somatic labs to explore community stories and develop your voice as a changemaker.

Through readings, workshops, and peer support, you’ll gain tools to work respectfully and collaboratively in diverse communities, while deepening your understanding of how psychological insight can foster healing, empowerment, and social transformation.

Internships & Projects:

Students will carry out 2–10 credits of internship or project work (5–25 hours/week), for a total of 8–16 credits. Projects may include:

• Supporting mental health or public health initiatives

• Designing community action plans with local organizations

• Conducting oral histories with elders, artists, or organizers

• Working in education, food security, or cooperative development

You’ll be guided by community mentors and supported by faculty and Evergreen’s Center for Community-Based Learning and Action (CCBLA). We’ll help you shape meaningful internships and projects that reflect your interests and values.

Getting Started:

Students should contact faculty before the quarter begins with a brief description of their proposed internship or project. Projects begin in Week 3 of Fall or Winter quarter. Internships in healthcare and mental health may require a two-quarter commitment. If working with minors or vulnerable populations, start early to complete required background checks.

Join Us:

This program is ideal for responsible, self-motivated students who value collaborative learning, want to grow as communicators and leaders, and are committed to learning from and with community partners.

To explore opportunities, contact CCBLA Director Ellen Shortt Sanchez (shorttse@evergreen.edu), visit Evergreen’s internship page, or reach out to program faculty.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies (per quarter)

6 – Mix of credits described in Academic Core section of description

2 to 10 – Internship in chosen area