Community-engaged Educational Ecosystem
(C-EEEM)
ABOUT
This project aims to serve the national interest by improving educational environments that contribute to strengthening and diversifying the regional STEM workforce. The challenges of building a STEM workforce in shrinking Rust Belt cities are addressed by replicating and examining an effective STEM learning environment that applies and innovates high impact practices. Rust Belt cities refer to areas of the northern and Midwest United States that were once known for steel production and heavy industry. These cities often have high poverty rates and lower educational attainment in STEM, highlighting the need to bridge the divide of communities that can engage in the knowledge economy. This project aims to build STEM attraction and retention by immersing high school and college students in the STEM knowledge, skill, and capacity needs of deindustrialized cities using project-based learning, community engagement, and community development techniques. The Community-Engaged Educational Ecosystem Model (C-EEEM) was first developed and implemented in South Bend, Indiana in the Center for Civic Innovation at the University of Notre Dame. It produced a sustainable network of educational institutions and community stakeholders in delivering a high impact STEM learning environment. This project will replicate and study the C-EEEM in two other cities, Youngstown, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky. The ultimate goal of the project is to establish an interconnected network of STEM education initiatives to benefit the regional workforce.
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 CEEEM summer program.
The C-EEEM summer program involves interns not only working on featured community projects but also participating in professional development activities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the C-EEEM Internship Program?
C-EEEM is a national model for community-university partnerships that will strengthen quality of life and build STEM attraction and retention by immersing students in project-based learning, community engagement, and community development techniques.
C-EEEM Internship Program is a partnership that pilots and contributes to community-engaged, sustainable projects to address real world challenges in Louisville Kentucky. Interns work in small project teams to approach complex community issues through technical, analytical, and empathetic problem-solving skills. Intern project teams use design thinking methodology, meet with stakeholders, and develop project plans to create meaningful and positive impact in the surrounding community.
Who should apply?
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are accepting applicants from all academic backgrounds with interest in our focus areas:
Equitable Access to Health and Wellbeing;
Safe, Affordable, and Efficient Housing;
Urban Sustainability and Resilience
Data – Informed Decision Support for Community Development
What are the benefits of The C-EEEM Internship?
8- Week Paid internship through the University of Louisville
Interns connect regularly with community leaders and professionals
Exceptionally diverse and collaborative environment
Up to three hours per week of professional and/or personal development
Leadership, project management, design thinking, and diversity and inclusion training
Opportunities to participate in local social events with other interns
How long is the internship program?
The summer program is 8 weeks from June 10th to August 9th, 2024.
What are the program requirements?
Current or recently graduated high school/college student.
Must be 16 years or older at start of internship.
Must be available for the entire 8-week duration.
Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with project and community partners.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and in a group setting.
Interest in developing innovative solutions to community identified concerns.
U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
