CSL Certificate Grads - Fall 2024

CSL Certificate

The Certificate in Community Engagement and Service-Learning allows students to demonstrate that they have significantly integrated community service-learning (CSL) into their postsecondary education. The knowledge and experience students gain through service-learning are relevant and applicable to a wide range of careers, including those in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the volunteer sector, business and government, and academic institutions. 

We extend our congratulations to the students convocating this Fall with the Certificate in Community Engagement and Service-Learning. Thank you for integrating CSL into your studies. 

Hear from a few CSL Certificate students about their experience:

Priscilla Ojomu, BA in Psychology with Sociology Minor

I decided to pursue the CSL certificate after taking CSL 100 with instructor Jay Friesen. This introductory course on Community Service-Learning resonated with my passion for social advocacy and improved my approach to working with diverse communities, allowing me to contribute meaningfully, rather than perpetuating harm. 

CSL 100 exposed me to many important theories, authors, and organizations that I wouldn't have otherwise known. Jay Friesen, the course instructor, was incredible and genuinely invested in our success. His teaching style, which was notably different from my non-CSL classes, benefited my learning and made me seek out more, so I found the CSL Certificate program. It was a relief to see a similar level of dedication in instructors of classes with CSL placements that I took.

I integrated CSL into my degree by following the certificate program pathway and applying my academic learning to my placements with community organizations.

CSL had a significant impact on my academic and career goals. Academically, my GPA improved with every course that offered CSL. I earned course credits while volunteering, which I enjoyed and excelled at, making the course content more enjoyable as I could apply what I learned. CSL helped me develop a love for learning, and the critical reflection and analytical skills I gained from writing those required reflection essays are proving useful now in my first year of law school.

CSL instructors also provided essential reference letters that supported my post-graduate applications. Career-wise, CSL opened multiple doors for me. In 2022, I gained my first paid work experience with a nonprofit organization, the Ribbon Rouge Foundation, through a CSL placement. They wanted to continue working with me after the course ended. Additionally, I worked as the CSL Winter 2023 Intern, an experience that allowed me to connect with my peers, gain practical workplace skills, and greatly appreciate what goes on behind the scenes of this impactful program.

Even after graduating, I remain involved with the CSL program through Canada Confesses, a grassroots organization I co-founded in 2021. This November, we became officially incorporated as a nonprofit, a feat partly made possible by my foundational experiences with CSL. Canada Confesses has hosted over ten CSL students, and their contributions have greatly benefited us. 

My experience volunteering with many CSL partner organizations has advanced my connections in the nonprofit sector and given me clarity on the areas I want to explore further in the future. After my studies in law, I would love to practice in the areas of public interest, human rights, and nonprofit governance.

Valencia Das, BA in Criminology

I discovered CSL by accident. I was looking for fun classes to take in my first year. Then I took CSL 100 with Jay Friesen and that just changed my whole experience. It was super fun! For my CSL placement, I got to make a podcast which was a great project I got to work on.

I started looking more into CSL and found out that they have a certificate program and it had courses I could take as a part of my degree and wouldn't need to use extra credits for it. So I just decided to pursue it.

It was honestly very easy to integrate CSL into my degree. My degree is in criminology which already heavily depends on community understanding and service. Most of my required courses already had CSL components embedded in them. 

In terms of impact, CSl allowed me to approach things with more mindfulness. Once you work in the community, it becomes easier to see how your education impacts everything. CSL allowed me to do exactly that. 

Academically, I was able to relate more and do better in my classes. Career wise, I'm currently working with people with disabilities and CSL has helped me immensely through this journey as it allows me to understand perspectives, be empathetic and work with a positive and healthy attitude.

It has shown me that through community work, you see a glimpse of what is really out in the world so when you really get outside, you are not left alone without the knowledge to tackle it. With CSL, you are able to understand the community and actively participate in it when the time really comes. I would always recommend CSL to everyone as it has a huge impact on your credibility as well as knowledge.