MERR 85C - Classroom Connection

Classroom Connection began in 1997 as part of the Merrill Honors Program, founded by former college provost John Isbister. The Classroom Connection Program has evolved in the years since into a vital community-oriented program. Classroom Connection is of enormous value to its beneficiaries: the students and teachers of Live Oak and Bay View elementary schools, and the UCSC students who have come back year after year for the gratifying experience of working in the classrooms.

Participating UCSC students volunteer in an elementary school classroom two days each week, attend several course meetings, and receive two units of credit. School placements include activities such as one-on-one mentoring, developing and teaching a lesson, and giving general classroom assistance. Course meetings address current educational theory and practice through readings and discussion, and provide an outlet for students' observations and experiences in the classroom.

The course is graded Pass/no pass only and students must complete 100% of placement hours and attend all course meetings to pass the class. Other requirements for a passing grade include: satisfactory teacher evaluation, punctuality and participation in course meetings, and completion of a final presentation or paper.

Classroom Connection has an open enrollment process for Merrill students. Students affiliated with other colleges should send an email to classroomconnection@ucsc.edu expressing their interest in taking the course. If space is available, they will be given a permission number to enroll in the course. First priority is given to Merrill students and returning participants, but we will do our best to accommodate everyone.

Contact us for more information. 

Here's what past Classroom Connection participants have said:

"I truly could never have foreseen that in my desperate scramble for some extra college credits, I would have landed myself in a place that will change my life forever . . . a chance to help our grossly under-funded public schools, a bunch of really cool little friends, and a really good feeling inside."
-Course evaluation from a UCSC student volunteer

"One of the best things about having volunteers in my classroom is having more energy to go around - especially working with a needy population like we serve at Live Oak. Having you guys here means that kids like Emily and Alberto who need a lot of things badly get just a little bit more and it really does make a difference."
-1st Grade teacher, Live Oak Elementary School