Education Report 2023-24

The Schubert Center is a leading advocate for integrating research and policy into undergraduate and graduate education.

Now in its fourth year, our Schubert Research Fellows program offers students meaningful research experiences and mentorship. By underwriting the cost of student research assistantships for Schubert Center Associates, we support career exploration and networking for students with marginalized identities. This effort strengthens the pipeline to graduate school and professional opportunities, fostering an inclusive academic environment that empowers the next generation of scholars. The Schubert Center will need additional funds to help offset the costs of this impactful program if it is to continue as part of the regular operating budget. Next year’s program will be funded by the Expanding Horizons Initiative (EHI) of the College of Arts and Sciences. This will enable us to expand the Schubert Research Fellows program in the upcoming academic year and plan for longer-term needs.

 

Schubert Research Fellows Spring 2024

 

schubert Fellows Spring 2024

The Schubert Center's Spring 2024 Research Fellows met weekly with the Schubert Center's Research Director, Dr. Sonia Minnes, and two student mentors, Graduate student Tizita Mekonnen and undergraduate Aja Leatherwood. Three of our Schubert Associates mentored fellows this past spring. Dr. Angela Ciccia mentored Berenice Grijalva Arvizu (left), Dr. Rita Obeid mentored Marc-Joelitza Montgomery, and Dr. Debbie Wilber mentored Tamyra Otkins.


Learn More about the Schubert Research Fellows

 

Aja Leatherwood at Conference

 

 

We are proud to announce that we have awarded the first recipient of the Welter-Muzic Continuing Research Fellowship. This fellowship was made possible by the generous donations of alumni Christina Welter, MPH, DrPH (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ '98), and David Muzic, MD (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ '97). It provides up to $1,500 for continued research, conference travel, and professional development. It allows students to collaborate with mentors across various disciplines and present their findings to peers. Please read the Research Report to find more details about our research program.

Public Policy Pathway

This fall, the Public Policy Pathway, which begins with Public Policy in Child Development (CHST 301), continued attracting significant enrollment and expanding its appeal. It now offers the option for graduate-level credit. Additionally, CHST302, generously supported by Robbie and Carol Mann, began again for the first time since 2019. The Mann Externship (CHST398) also entered a new area of focus, with our extern working with immigrant communities in Cleveland.

Students enrolled in our minor can choose to take our Public Policy Pathway courses or other select courses to complete their Childhood Studies Minor. By the end of the academic year, we reached 47 CHST minors, reflecting our ongoing growth and outreach across a diverse range of schools and programs.

Margaux and Migration & Refugee Services

Mann Extern (CHST398) Spring 2024

During the Spring of 2024, Margaux Johnstone, a junior with a double major studying medical anthropology and international studies, interned at, Cleveland's largest refugee resettlement agency, as part of her Mann Child Policy Externship. 

Learn more about the Spring 2024 Mann extern experience.

 (CHST302) Advanced Child Policy, Washington DC Experiential Trip

This spring, four undergraduate students—Alma (Lilia) Garcia, Elizabeth Georges, Aja Leatherwood, and Margaux Johnstone—visited Washington, D.C., with their professor, Gabriella Celeste, as part of the fully funded experiential learning in our Advanced Child Policy course. On their trip, they learned about state and federal legislation impacting children, youth, and families. They met with policymakers and observed the interconnected relationships between governmental agencies, non-profits, think tanks, and legislators in Congress and the Senate. 

The students focused on different areas of interest, reflecting the diverse scope of the program. Lilia Garcia dedicated her efforts to family violence prevention and services. Elizabeth Georges concentrated on child abuse prevention, while Aja Leatherwood explored youth justice. Margaux Johnstone pursued her passion for immigration and refugee issues. 

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