Hands-on Learning Opportunities
Make an impact on kids, families, and older adults across the region while gaining real-world experience.
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As a Human Development and Family Science student at CSUMB, you’ll have an opportunity to work with children, teens, adults, elders, and families in a variety of real-world settings. You’ll also gain deeper subject matter expertise through an independent research project.
Service Learning
Participate in a course that has a community service element. Throughout the semester, you’ll complete at least 25 hours at your chosen site.
Options vary each semester, but have included a variety of schools, social service agencies, and nonprofit organizations such as:
- Cesar Chavez Library
- Hartnell Child Development Center
- City of Marina Recreation Center
- Monterey County Crisis Center
- Mt. Madonna YMCA
- Salvation Army of Monterey Peninsula Corps
- Siena House Maternity Home
- Food Bank of Monterey County
Capstone Experience
Work with a faculty mentor to develop an independent research project centered on a theme, issue, age group, or population that matters to you. Throughout the process, you’ll develop research, writing, analytical and communication skills, while also deepening your knowledge in a specific area of study.
Students have explored areas such as:
- Building anger management skills in preschoolers
- Enhancing second-grade students’ social-emotional development
- Boosting awareness of cyberbullying among early adolescents
- Increasing nutrition education for collegiate athletes
- Informing low-income parents about financial aid
At the end of the year, you’ll have a chance to present your work at the department’s annual capstone festival.
Advocacy in Action
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“What you study is what you are going to work on in your service learning. It’s very applicable and very relevant. And when you know what these issues are, you are a better advocate, and you can really make an impact.”