Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

For the Greater Good Since its founding in 1997 by former Dyson College Dean Charles Masiello, CCAR—originally named VIA PACE (Volunteers in Action) —has continued to evolve in its programming, offerings, and mission to meet the needs of our ever-changing world. At the hea of CCAR is a commitment to serving the commu- nities that surround Pace in Westchester and New York City. Each year, through civic engagement courses and independent service events, CCAR connects students, faculty, and staff to a myriad of oppo unities to engage in community-based learning—includ- ing working at food pantries and homeless shelters, leading voter registration effo s, aiding in disaster relief, conducting research for nonprofit organizations, and assisting in sustainability and conservation projects. "I know CCAR has equipped me with tools to keep going in my volunteer and community-building work, and I can't wait to improve upon them moving forward," said CCAR student employee Britney Peralta '22, Economics and Communication and Media Studies. "I am gaining experience in a possible area I'd like to fu her pursue and growing as an advocate for my community." Learning That Transcends Classroom Walls As pa of an initiative driven by the leadership of Pace faculty and suppo ed by CCAR, each undergraduate student at Pace is required to take a civic engagement and public values course. These courses are offered in each of Pace's schools and colleges and are designed to transcend the classroom walls and challenge students to address real-world issues, with experiences that facilitate pa nerships with community organizations. "Experiential learning motivates learners to reflect on their educational experience for the creation of new skills, a itudes, and ways of thinking," said Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Anne Toomey, PhD, who teaches a civic engagement course called Citizen Science, alongside Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Monica Palta, PhD. Pace joins Project Pericles, a conso ium of colleges and universities commi ed to civic engagement, as a founding institution under the leadership of Pace University President David A. Caputo. (Pictured: A Project Pericles event at Pace in 2003.) CCAR begins offering Alternative Spring Break, an option for students to engage in volunteer work over break. The initiative began with domestic trips and evolved to a "think global, act local" focus, working with organizations in the tri-state area prior to the pandemic. (Pictured: Students aiding in Superstorm Sandy recovery in East Rockaway, New York, in 2015.) The civic engagement and public values core requirement for undergraduate students is passed by Pace faculty. Today, more than 100 civic engagement sections run each year, with courses offered by all Pace schools. (Pictured: Students presenting in Psychology of Civic Engagement in 2003.) "Before CCAR, I was unaware of what volunteering meant, not only to the organization but to myself. Without CCAR, I probably wouldn't know what it feels like to put myself out there and develop new skills, be selfless, and provide support and helpful hands to those in our own community." —Jandery De La Cruz '12, '17 W W W . P A C E . E D U / D Y S O N 11 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 3

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