An alternative to homework

-- Carin Mangimeli

Project SHINE is now offered in 19 Metropolitan State University and Minneapolis Community and Technical Colleges courses, by 14-plus faculty members, as an alternative to research papers or other class assignments.

According to its Web site, Project SHINE (Students Helping in the Naturalization of Elders) "links college students with older immigrants and refugees seeking to learn English and navigate the complex path to United States citizenship."

Students are jumping at the chance to escape homework while providing a service to the community. One former volunteer, Kathy Yzermans said, "The other [course assignment] choices included writing a research paper, attending some cultural events or helping a group with fundraising, none of which appealed to me. I thought I could not only accomplish the project, but be of some help as well."

According to the coordinator of Project SHINE Twin Cities, Matt Walters, Project SHINE was created "at Temple University’s Center for Intergenerational Learning in Philadelphia in response to legislation that jeopardized the public benefits of legally immigrated noncitizens." Walters said he became involved with Project SHINE through the VISTA division of Americorp, a national program similar to the Peace Corps except members serve within the United States. The VISTA division focuses on the "alleviation of poverty."

Project SHINE has partnered with approximately 15 community partners around the Twin Cities to provide multiple locations for both volunteers and students to attend. These community partners offer programs of their own but use Project SHINE in their naturalization courses.

During the registration process, volunteers are asked to choose two or three community partner locations that are most convenient for them. Every effort is made to accommodate the volunteer. "Community organizations around the cities are in need of support for their overcrowded English and U.S. citizenship preparation classes," said Walters. "We see these organizations as classrooms not only for adult and senior learners, but for college students as well. Creating links between academic study and the community around us is the essence of service learning, and these connections could not be made without the help of our community partner organizations."

Classes are generally small and volunteers are presented with the opportunity to interact with students on an individual basis, which most of the volunteers enjoy. One Metropolitan State University volunteer said, "I feel good about myself when one of the students looks at me and tells me they understand…when they tell me that they have learned a lot from me."

Walters stated that Project SHINE Twin Cities has over 109 volunteers in its program this semester, 57 of which are from Metropolitan State University. Walters estimated that volunteers will tutor approximately 300-400 students. He said since Project SHINE’s creation in 1997, the approximate volunteer rate per semester is 50-80 students, with Metropolitan State University students making up two-thirds of the average volunteer team.

Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per semester, or approximately two hours per week for 10 weeks, in addition to a one-time four-hour orientation. Volunteer opportunities with Project SHINE include one-on-one tutoring, in-class support (milling around the classroom while an instructor is teaching to answer questions and assist students where needed), small group sessions and teaching.

The Metropolitan State University volunteers interviewed agreed that the process of getting involved was not difficult and the time commitment was not excessive. One student said, "...I was surprised by how easy it was. The people at CLUES (a Project SHINE community partner) were very welcoming and helpful with easing my anxiety."

The volunteers also agreed that they would recommend the experience to others. "It’s not only a great learning experience for the students, but for the volunteers as well."

Another volunteer added, "I would recommend Project SHINE to any student who feels they have something to offer to immigrants or who feel that they would like to learn more about the struggle of immigration into the U.S."

For more information, visit the Project SHINE Twin Cities Web site at http://www.shinetc.blogspot.com.