Semester in Grand Rapids, Detroit programs will hold informational session

Completing an immersive experience like Semester in Grand Rapids gave Sarah Stromski the skills and confidence to land a part-time job and a renewed vigor to complete her degree.

Stromski, who is majoring in elementary education, was in the inaugural cohort of SIGR last summer. The immersive nine-credit program is open to all Grand Valley students who want to learn from community leaders and complete a community-based internship. 

Stromski's internship was with The Other Way Ministries; she assisted with adult ESL classes, weeded the organization's garden and helped plan a block party.

"I was drawn to the aspect of learning more about Grand Rapids and having an internship in the community I lived in," she said. "I also wanted to experience working in a field totally different from what I was used to."

Her skills and the experience gained from the internship helped Stromski get a job as a church youth director. "I also returned back to school full time to finish my degree with more leadership skills and a refreshed perspective," she said.

SIGR is currently taking applications for the summer semester. Kristin Moretto, director of the Brooks College Office for Community Partnerships and Student Professional Development, hopes students getting ready to register for classes consider this program.

"It's a place-based academic program from a social justice perspective that integrates classroom learning with an internship in the community," Moretto said.

Internship sites include the YMCA, Dwelling Place, Cook Arts Center and similar organizations.

SIGR is modeled after the Semester in Detroit, which is operated by the University of Michigan and also open to Grand Valley students in the fall semester. The Detroit semester program is also taking applications.

An informational session about both immersive programs is set for February 19 in the Kirkhof Center, room 2201, from noon-1:30 p.m. Food will be provided. More information is online at gvsu.edu/sigr.