The Brown School is launching two new foundation and concentration practicum opportunities for students interested in social and economic development:  The East St. Louis Community Collaboration and The Municipal Government Project.

Each initiative includes specific field placements, supplemented by a collaborative field seminar experience and curriculum.  Under the supervision of Professor Jack Kirkland, these initiatives will build practical skills in community engagement, business relations, interdisciplinary team work, economic and community development, local and regional community planning, municipal functions, and government politics.

City and municipal governments play a unique and influential role in generating and sustaining a community’s social and economic development. Working with The Municipal Government Project, students will develop a range of skills through a diverse set of activities. Specifically, students will organize community planning efforts, connect residents to government and community resources, and participate in economic and business development, planning, recruitment, and retention.

The East St. Louis Community Collaboration offers practicum opportunities in municipal government, local non-profit agencies, public, and faith-based organizations. Examples of placements include: the Mayor’s office, Community Development Block Grant Department, youth service agencies, community development agencies, and faith-based organizations. Among other things, students will create business development plans, participate in community engagement activities, and develop/implement community wide youth programs.