Adele Birkenes (Geography, 2020) is working with the Office of Community Engaged Learing (OCEL) this year to support community GIS work, and created this map of CEL placements in and around Poughkeepsie. Alternatively, you can view the larger map or see the OCEL blog (click “Opportunities”) if you prefer to scan the list of placements rather than browse them in the map.
Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) placements are taken for credit and are supervised by a faculty sponsor. Students receive credit in the department of their faculty sponsor. Some of these placements provide opportunities to gain experience in GIS mapping and analysis. Contact Lisa Kaul (likaul@vassar.edu) for more information if you are interested in a placement.
Adele is also working to create a local YouthMappers chapter here at Vassar. YouthMappers may work with the Poughkeepsie government and NGOs to pinpoint ways in which the chapter can support urban renewal and development projects through mapping. On a global scale, Vassar YouthMappers will participate in mapping for the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), assisting in response efforts to natural disasters and other humanitarian crises. Contact Adele (abirkenes@vassar.edu) if you’re interested in being part of this new effort.