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Volume 4 • Number 1 • Spring 2021
Building up young minds
Dr. Brad Christensen—a STEM specialist with Illinois State’s Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology—has been collaborating with Rose Mabwa, a senior manager with The Community Builders, to engage Chicago youth in STEM projects.
Making STEM fun: Noyce scholars host online science workshops for children during the pandemic
Illinois State Noyce Scholars used fun activities to teach middle school-age children STEM lessons last summer as part of an online series organized by the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology and the University of Illinois Extension Office.
All in on democracy: ISU makes major effort to get students engaged in 2020 election and beyond
Civic engagement is a core value at Illinois State, and the University has made a concerted effort to ensure students are more represented at polls, in policymaking, and in community building.
Campus hero: Dr. Shamaine Bertrand
Dr. Shamaine Bertrand, an assistant professor of Elementary Education, is the campus hero for the spring issue of Redbird Impact magazine.
Wellness plan: Researching how to keep kids healthy
An ISU research team has been helping Bloomington School District 87 develop a wellness plan to get students moving more, eating better, and focusing on their mental health.
Training teachers for the real, diverse world of the classroom
As a professor of early childhood education, Dr. Miranda Lin’s specialty is teaching future teachers. Her Cross Cultural Teaching and Learning course connects students with community efforts, like the YWCA.
New strategic plan leads to name change and advisory board
Based on recommendations from their new strategic plan, the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is beginning the 2021 calendar year with a new name—the Center for Civic Engagement.
Holiday Helper program serves local children amid the pandemic
For decades, Illinois State University students, faculty, and staff have provided holiday gifts for local children through the University’s Holiday Helper program. In the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and struggling economy, the program became more important than ever for families in Bloomington-Normal.
