Are you a UW student interested in helping public school students succeed?  Getting real world experience to help you choose a major or a career path? Completing classroom hours for the Education, Learning and Society Minor or for application to a Masters in Teaching program?  Improving your research, writing, and collaborative learning and presentation skills?  Are you looking for an opportunity (in the words of Paul Farmer) to “use what you learn to transform yourself and your community”?  

If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Community Literacy Program may be just what you're looking for.

Community Literacy Program (CLP) is an 8 credit program linking English 298 and Education 401. In English 298 you'll meet twice weekly on campus in a writing-intensive seminar focused on learning effective methods of working with public school students in language arts, exploring some central challenges and opportunities for public education, and using writing to inquire into, develop and communicate your thinking about these issues.  In EDUC 401, you'll put what you learn on campus into action, volunteering (4-5 hours a week, on a schedule you arrange) in one of our partner public schools: Olympic Hills Elementary, Aki Kurose Middle School or Shorecrest High School.

The Community Literacy Program began in 1992, and is now one of the longest-running community-based ("service-learning") programs on our campus.  CLP is also part of the new (in 2009-2010) Phoenix Project, a partnership including the UW English Department,  the UW College of Education, and Shoreline and Seattle Public Schools.  The Phoenix Project  is designed both to prepare future language arts teachers and to support K-12 language arts students. 

While many CLP students have gone on to work in education or related fields, CLP also appeals to students interested in experiential education, civic responsibility, a small workshop-based course,  or a deeper connection to the Seattle community. Students often form strong bonds with the schools where they volunteer.  Many CLP students continue tutoring on their own after the quarter ends through independent study projects, or serve as undergraduate "Head Tutors," who work as Teaching Assistants and mentor tutors for new CLP students.