DukeEngage | Duke Center for Civic Engagement

"The Academy" - Predeparture Training for DukeEngage

Immersion programs begin with a series of experiential preparation workshops. The primary goal of the workshops is to maximize the quality of student intellectual and behavioral engagement during the extent of one's field work experience. How can volunteers best adapt to cross-cultural, logistical, and ethical challenges?

DukeEngage workshops through its spring "Academy" empower participants with questions and tools to sustain a sense of curiosity, investment, and flexibility throughout their projects. DukeEngage students are required to participate in pre-departure trainings which will explore topics such as:

• The Ethics of Engagement
• Community Partnership
• Serving Across Cultures
• Community History & Culture (for group project participants) or Succeeding On Your Own (for individual project participants).

A variety of optional workshops will also be available, such as: Succeeding in the workplace, Documenting your Experience, Health & Safety and much more.

Through supporting skills in critical thinking and adaptability, DukeEngage preparation creates the groundwork for students to continue their inquiry into civic engagement.  Upon returning to campus, DukeEngage offers participants the unique opportunity to connect the personal impact of an immersive service experience with the intellectual resources that a university environment affords.

The 2010 DukeEngage Academy will be take place on Duke University campus Monday, May 10 and Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

To download the 2009 DukeEngage Academy Student Handbook, click here.

To download the 2009 DukeEngage Academy Schedule, click here.