Westside Communities Alliance http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca A partnership between Atlanta's westside communities and institutions of higher education. Tue, 07 Mar 2017 20:46:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/wp-content/uploads/sites/507/2016/11/cropped-WCA_FB_profile-32x32.jpg Westside Communities Alliance http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca 32 32 OurGirls @ Tech 2017 http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2017/03/07/ourgirls-tech-2017/ Tue, 07 Mar 2017 19:53:49 +0000 http://westsidecommunities.org/?p=1494975 Last month, 45 female students from Brown Middle School attended a STEM campus experience at Georgia Tech for the WCA’s annual OurGirls @ Tech event. Given Atlanta Public School’s new direction towards STEM and STEAM, the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts aims to create opportunities for exposure to local colleges and universities. While Brown Middle School is only a 12 minute bus drive away, many students are unfamiliar with Georgia Tech and all of its offerings.

This year, the girls attended demonstrations led by an all-female crew of students and staff. They stopped by the Clough Undergraduate Learning Center (CULC) to see the Urban Honey Bee Project led by Dr. Jennifer Leavey. The Technology Group visited the retroTECH to play with vintage computers, video games, and more. The Women in Electrical and Computing Engineering (WECE) demonstrated how to build a wind turbine out of everyday objects. Across campus. The Mathematics group learned how to code their own music songs using rhythm and beats with EarSketch.

Brown MS students learn how to code and create their own music with Georgia Tech’s EarSketch program

 

The photo scavenger hunt took them to the water slide in the recreation center, a dining hall, the bowling alley, and several popular student hang-out spots on campus.

Catered lunch took place overlooking Historic Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium in the Student Success Center, while the Dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts spoke about the importance of their presence on campus. Jade Sims, from the Office of Admissions, used the GPA game to stress the importance of grades, extracurricular activities, and tailored admissions essays when applying to college. Current female student athletes talked about an appropriate study-life balances, camaraderie, and the diversity of scholarships at Tech.

45 Brown MS attend OurGirls @ Tech in 2017
]]> Westside Innovation Lab http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2016/04/04/westside-innovation-lab/ Mon, 04 Apr 2016 20:50:15 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=1494328 Last week, WCA staff attended the launch of the Westside Innovation Lab at the Center for Civic Innovation. The application submission is now live! CCI is looking for people and organizations with innovative ideas to address social challenges in their own neighborhoods on the westside of Atlanta. Applications are due on April 25, 2016. Please consider applying or passing this on to someone, or an organization, you know that may be a good fit. Winning submissions will be chosen BY THE COMMUNITY. Those winning ideas (6-8) will receive seed funding and technical assistance in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Submit your idea now! http://www.civicatlanta.org/westside-idea-submmision

If you are interested in volunteering time or skills: http://www.civicatlanta.org/westside-volunteer

 

CCI has hired two new program managers that will be focused on this initiative full-time: Raina Turner and Nathan Jones.  Reach out to them at westside@civicatlanta.org

]]> Google’s Community Leaders Program http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2016/04/04/googles-community-leaders-program/ Mon, 04 Apr 2016 18:21:22 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=1494309

Are you a current college student (junior or senior) in Atlanta interested in helping local community organizations and non-profits with their digital presence? Then, check out Google’s Community Leaders Program!  At a high level, CLP is focused on creating a sustainable web ecosystem and increasing digital literacy by connecting communities, businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits with local student talent. We’d like to partner with Georgia Tech to select potential students for participation in the 2016 – 2017 CLP year. Below is an overview of the program, but I’d love to set up more time to discuss the opportunity further.

 

Program Overview


CLP started four years ago in New Orleans, LA, and has since expanded to several cities, including Kansas City, MO, Harlem, NY, and Provo, UT.

The program divides students from local universities into small groups of three or four. Each small group is then paired with a local nonprofit, small business, or community organization.

The program is one year long (beginning in spring 2016), and students are expected to devote 10 hours per week to it, the majority of which are spent working on a project with their peers and partner organization. Traditionally, these partner organizations have evaluated the students’ work performance extremely positively, thereby strengthening their relationships with and perceptions of the students’ schools.

Outside the project mentioned above, a key objective of the program is to provide students with opportunities for professional development, including resume workshops, job application assistance, and mentoring from Google employees. Students develop real-world skills they might not acquire in the classroom—they network with community and business leaders, create portfolios of their projects, and learn to work in teams.

Upon completion of the program, students are highly encouraged to apply for full-time or internship positions at Google. (Please note: While CLP itself is not considered a Google internship, we highly encourage universities to offer course credit for participation.)

 

]]> APS Board passes FY16 budget of $685.6 million http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2015/04/30/aps-board-passes-fy16-budget-of-685-6-million/ Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:23:22 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=663333 At 6:26 pm in the Mays Conference Room at CLL, the room was split into two factions. “Team Matt” that consisted of APS Board members and “Team Meria” consisting of the APS Superintendent’s staff members. “We’re all Team Kid” chimes in Cynthia Briscoe-Brown, APS Board Member At-Large, Seat 7. In a FY16 budget meeting scheduled to end at 6 pm (starting at 4 pm), the people around the table have yet to come to any decisions. They then divided up to take additional looks at the proposed budget scenarios to see what else could be done to pick and choose.

The general conversation over the past 2 hours centered around whether funds need to be prioritized for custodial services or an IB-level education. Meria complains about “prehistoric spiders” and urine-stained walls that create a low-quality learning/teaching environment for students/teachers. Board members are persistent on the need for an IB-baseline. Briscoe-Brown jokes (or maybe she is serious) that she will muster an army of parents to clean the bathrooms and Westmoreland quips about a “Board Service Day” setting rat traps.

During this break, several board members seem more concerned with what is being said about them or about APS on Twitter than what is happening in the room. After reconvening, the conversation turns to a focus on the arts and the overall lack of arts access in APS schools.

At the end of the evening, all board members agreed on the budget, except one: Byron Amos, District 2 Board Member. The following Monday, the General Fund Budget passed at $685.6 million. See Superintendent Meria Carstarphen’s thoughts here: http://atlsuper.com/2015/04/20/board-approves-fy16-general-fund-budget-for-aps/

Full notes from the meeting are attached.

A slide deck from a previous APS Board budget meeting is attached as well, however it is not the one used at the meeting, as it had still not been made public as of April 29, 2015.

APS Budget Meeting Notes

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FY16 Board Meeting – Budget Discussion

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]]> OurGirls @ Tech – Spring 2015 visit http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2015/04/09/ourgirls-tech-spring-2015-visit/ Fri, 10 Apr 2015 01:04:02 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=468072 On a surprisingly cold spring day, 22 Brown Middle School females and their chaperones stepped onto Georgia Tech’s campus for a visit. While the drive only took them 12 minutes, Georgia Tech was a place they had never been before even though the majority of them have lived close by their entire lives. Part of a larger mission the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts has to expose more local Atlanta Public Schools students to the possibility of attending Georgia Tech for college, this was the third time the Westside Communities Alliance has hosted such an OurGirls event. In previous years, Sylvan and Kennedy middle schools also attended.

This year, the girls, escorted by current Georgia Tech students that served as volunteers, got a unique view of the campus. They stopped by the Clough Undergraduate Learning Center (CULC) to see the Urban Honey Bee Project led by Dr. Jennifer Leavey and toured the Invention Studio at the Manufacturing Related Disciplines Complex (MRDC) to see the 3D printer. They also got to see a residence hall for the first time. The photo scavenger hunt took them to the water slide, a dining hall, the radio station, and several popular student hang-out spots on campus.

Catered lunch took place overlooking Historic Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium in the Student Success Center. They heard from current senior and Public Policy major, Katharine Mitchell about self-identity and maneuvering through college as a woman of color. Andre Dickens, Assistant Director of the Office of Minority Educational Development, spoke about the resources available as a minority student at Tech, including unlimited tutoring and new activity and social groups. Jade Sims from the Office of Admissions spoke about what it takes to get into college, particularly Georgia Tech, and how to make changes now that can will prepare you to not only get in, but succeed in college.

The students left with swag to remember their trip and the WCA looks forwards to its next group of girls in 2016.

OurGirls @ Tech - Spring 2015 visit

]]> “How Can Colleges and Universities Engage in Community Development: A Communities Perspective.” http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2013/11/08/how-can-colleges-and-universities-engage-in-community-development-a-communities-perspective/ Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:26:36 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=2460 You’re invited to attend the first Westside Communities Alliance (WCA) Discussion Forum entitled “How Can Colleges and Universities Engage in Community Development: A Communities Perspective.” 

Event Flyer: WCA_Panel_Nov15

The forum will take place Friday afternoon, November 15th, 3:00-5:00pm at 590 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, 30318. We are pleased to have Dr. Harley Etienne, one of the founders of the Westside Communities Alliance and author of Pushing Back the Gates: Neighborhood Perspectives on University-Driven Revitalization in West Philadelphia moderating the discussion.

The City of Atlanta has prioritized the development of the Westside through a commitment to support the new Atlanta Falconʼs stadium, advances with the BeltLineʼs Westside Trail, and more. There are at least seven colleges and universities located in West Atlanta, and more than half of all Atlanta college students are educated on the Westside. We believe hearing Westside community voices and understanding resident perspectives is essential for lasting community transformation. Through this forum the WCA seeks to provide a platform for community organizations and active residents to share concerns, interests, and wishes for responsible partnerships with Atlantaʼs area colleges and universities. Together, we believe, we can bring about community transformation that has lasting benefits across all Westside communities.

The WCA provides a mechanism for sustained partnerships with city officials, relevant funders, higher education institutions and community stakeholders. Together, we can develop comprehensive solutions for complex community challenges. Together, we can rebuild thriving urban neighborhoods on Atlantaʼs westside. Together, we can do better.

]]> #AMarchForEducation http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2013/10/11/amarchforeducation/ Fri, 11 Oct 2013 17:28:00 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=2324 On Saturday, October 5th, Region 3 NSBE students from universities across the Southeast as well as students, faculty, and parents from local schools marched from Centennial Olympic Park to Georgia Tech’s campus.

Marchees descend Tech Walkway

Following the march, which was well-received, apparent by the resounding car honks the group garnered, was a series of speakers at the Georgia Tech Kessler Campanile amphitheater. First up, were two Kindezi School students Carlos Williams and Nubia Udoh, that won a speech-writing competition inspired by civil and human rights activist Ella Baker. Next, was the the National Society of Black Engineers Atlanta Chapter Pre-College Initiative Chair Raymond Alan who spoke about the hurdles to becoming a black engineering student and why it’s important to stick with it. Finally, Reverand Dr. Gerald Durley recalled his time as an activist in the  Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King and gave a moving talk about overcoming labels.

Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley addressing march attendees

The Georgia Tech Walkway was host to a tabling event with information on getting into college, testing, and other education-related organizations.

View the Facebook album here.

]]> Hands on Atlanta Day with Ivan Allen College http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2013/10/10/hands-on-atlanta-day-with-ivan-allen-college/ Thu, 10 Oct 2013 21:29:06 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=2319 Written by Georgia Tech student Danielle Sharpe*.

Last Saturday, a group of Georgia Tech students and I journeyed over to the Bellwood Boys and Girls Club to volunteer at the opening event for Hands On Atlanta Day. Student volunteers were representing the Ivan Allen College, Circle K, the Black Graduate Student Association, and the Westside Communities Alliance (WCA). We all worked hand in hand to give more life to an already vibrant boys and girls club.

WCA Community Liaison, Sheri Davis-Faulkner and IAC volunteers in front of a completed reading loft.

Much of the projects reminded us of our carefree days as elementary students, which was long before we all accepted the challenge to become Georgia Tech students. From painting murals and cornhole platforms to revamping the playground areas and building reading lofts, volunteering at the Bellwood Boys and Girls Club was very much like a morning full of arts and crafts. We even got to decorate birdhouses!

Painting cornhole sets

 

Beyond being able to show our creative prowess, we got a chance to get a deeper understanding of our service. The volunteer event was organized and funded primarily by Ivan Allen IV, grandson of Tech alum and Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. From his mayoral term, Ivan Allen, Jr. left a legacy of social courage for racial progression in a major southern city. Seeing Ivan IV live his grandfather’s visions was very moving, and it was even more special knowing that we were a part of his grandfather’s vision, too.

We are very appreciative of Ivan Allen IV, the Ivan Allen College, WCA, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta, and Hands On Atlanta for organizing such an enjoyable, yet insightful event. Personally, I think that it is wonderful and necessary that the Ivan Allen College and WCA are taking the initiative to serve nearby communities because the communities in the Westside are literally our neighbors. This volunteering event allowed my peers and me to see that it is important to give back to our communities, especially those that are historically linked to us. In closing, if you want to walk, live, and breathe the Tech motto of “Progress and Service,” you’re at Georgia Tech. You can do that!

WCA Staff, Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Staff, and Ivan Allen IV

 

View the entire Facebook album.

*Danielle is a graduating junior, majoring in History, Technology, and Society (HTS) at Georgia Tech. She is also completing a certificate in Land Development because of her personal interest in the design of cities. Danielle is involved with the Student Advisory Board for the Ivan Allen College as the Webmaster and HTS representative. She is also an active volunteer with the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition, a community-based wellness and prevention organization that serves the English Avenue community in the Westside and one of the WCA’s partners.

 

]]> Technique: Connecting Students with Service http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2013/10/02/technique-connecting-students-with-service/ Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:07:59 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=2287

 Connecting students with service

Photo Courtesy of Westside Communities AlliancePhoto Courtesy of Westside Communities Alliance

 
 
 

The Westside Communities Alliance (WCA), a communications network that connects volunteers with service projects in Atlanta, shows great promise. Started by two west-side neighborhoods and Tech’s Westside Task Force in 2011, the WCA offers students an option to get involved in ongoing, long-term projects that directly improve several aspects of life in west Atlanta. Though the WCA has a wide range of projects, it still needs more funding to be sustainable and has yet to gain a foothold in the general Tech community. By improving its campus presence, the WCA could greatly develop as a program.

WCA helps organize the Semester-in-the-City courses, which offer Tech honors students a chance to explore urban neighborhoods and the unique challenges in each locale. These programs, though rewarding, would be more effective if they were extended and publicized to a wider set of students. Involving more students in the Semester-in-the-City program would give the participants first-hand experience with the issues in urban communities and directly increase membership with WCA.

Taking active measures to ensure a strong campus presence is also necessary. Setting up a showcase with community service projects or holding student workshops would increase student awareness. Additionally, forming a group of student representatives would enable WCA to directly communicate with Tech students. By pushing their name and creating a reputation on campus, WCA can accomplish many of its short-term and long-term goals.

Since one of their objectives is to match passionate students with service projects, WCA can further increase their campus presence by taking suggestions for community project ideas. Not only would this gain student approval, but it would also improve the quality of the organization as a whole.

]]> Technique: WCA Works to Establish Community Connections http://pwp.gatech.edu/wca/2013/10/02/technique-wca-works-to-establish-community-connections/ Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:35:34 +0000 http://wca.iac.gatech.edu/?p=2283

 WCA works to establish community connections

Photo by Ben KeyserlingPhoto by Ben Keyserling

The Westside Community Alliance (WCA) is a communications network developed in 2011 by Tech’s Ivan Allen College of the Liberal Arts (IAC), the College of Architecture (COA) and the Office of Government and Community Relations (GCR) with other partners throughout the community.

“Georgia Tech has such a reputation nationally and internationally for problem solving, for engagement and for public works and service…so my question was: we do all of this stuff around the world; what do we do across the street?” said Dean Jacqueline Royster of the Ivan Allen College, who was the driving force behind the creation of this community organization.

In its two years of existence, the WCA has facilitated quarterly meetings, a listserv and a website to serve as a basis for an ongoing communication network for connections between Tech, other universities in the area, neighborhood associations, businesses, the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Fire Rescue, Atlanta Public Schools, direct service organizations, non-profits and other organizations.

As a response to Tech’s Strategic Vision and Plan, the WCA encompasses what it means to establish strategic partnerships, especially with those in the immediate area of Tech. Working through various schools and departments, they have established the Westside GT Taskforce, which is an internal network of Tech faculty who are teaching relevant courses, researchers, student organizations and campus volunteers, doing engaged research or planning projects on the Westside of Atlanta.

Some of the neighborhoods that WCA works in are Bankhead, where the average unemployment for the 16 and older population is 31 percent, English Avenue, where vancant residential structures make up 52 percent of those in the neighborhood, Washington Park, where 65 percent of average households have an income under $35,000 annually, and Vine City where there are about 3,232 food stamp recipients per square mile, according to Neighborhood Nexus.

“Often times people are working within blocks of each other and don’t know each other or they’re working at the same site,” said Sheri Davis-Faulkner, Community Liaison for the Westside Community Alliance. “They just come on a different day and they work with a different person, so they don’t know that there are ways that they could simply be working together on a lot of these projects.”

The Westside GT Taskforce includes programs like the Honors Program’s Semester-In-The-City course which invites students to explore how urban neighborhoods and schools work and provide opportunities to work in those communities. It also includes the College of Architecture, Project Studio: Northside Drive Corridor, which involved graduate students developing four extensive proposals to advance Northside Drive as a prominent transit corridor. A final example is the CEISMC Mentoring Program, in which all programs operate under similar goals to improve performance and proficiency by providing tutors and mentors with schools in the Atlanta area.

Along with many other initiatives, these focus in on four areas that the WCA has targeted as key issue areas that many partners are actively engaged in. As Davis-Faulkner explained, these include food and health, education and student engagement, water and the environment as well as development and transit. This was a way that they were able to fill in gaps and continue to do something other umbrella organizations like it weren’t necessarily a part of yet.

http://nique.net/news/2013/09/19/wca-works-to-establish-community-connections/

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