BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Students at Illinois Wesleyan are highly accustomed to enjoying an active-learning, discussion-based atmosphere in the classroom environment. The experience doesn’t end there, however, for many who choose to take advantage of one of the University’s resources for unique undergraduate internship opportunities.
For nearly 10 years, Illinois Wesleyan’s Action Research Center (ARC) has taken hands-on learning to a whole new level by connecting students with not-for-profit service, citizen groups and private-sector firms in the Bloomington-Normal area. Through internships and research projects with various local organizations, ARC allows Illinois Wesleyan students to take the initiative in making lasting community improvements.
ARC accomplishes its role as bridge-builder between the University and the community by “getting students out of their comfort zones,” said Professor of Sociology Jim Sikora, who co-founded the program with Chair of Political Science Jim Simeone in 2003. “I tell my students it’s not good enough to look at a problem and think, ‘someone should do something about that,’” added ARC Program Coordinator Deborah Halperin. “I want them to realize they are that someone.”