Master of Social Change

Tufts University’s Tisch Civil Engagement Program is likely to change the approach to higher education system at U.S Colleges and Universities in the near future.

Speaking at a Center for American Progress (CAP) seminar, Rob Hollister, Dean of Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service said “we are graduating students that are both accomplished and effective agents of social change.”

“Faculty in all disciplines are integrating values of active citizenship and volunteering in their programs,” noted Mr. Hollister in the event sponsored by CAP, which describes itself as progressive. The program which is administered by Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service aims to support students that are both accomplished in their fields of study and also agents of change.

“We want to graduate students that are good pediatricians but also care about child health insurance, students that are good engineers but also care about the environment,” Hollister expained. In the last six years, the program has raised 65 million dollars to support program activities, an indication of public support for this system of education.

Hollister also noted that this is a new model of higher education in United States and will be adopted across the country in the next decade. Speaking at the same forum, Deputy Chancellor District of Columbia Schools Kaya Henderson said participating in the National Service Program (Teach for America) gave her leadership opportunities that she has continued to use even in her new position as deputy boss of D. C. schools.

The forum was organized by Center for American Progress to discuss how National Service programs can be used as a strategy for career path and leadership development.

Emmanuel Opati is an intern at the American Journalism Center a training program run by Accuracy in Media and Accuracy in Academia