Would you like to spend your summer helping Black communities in Albany build wealth and equity? How about giving young students study opportunities in STEM? Or maybe exploring ways to support the brewing industry in the Capital Region?
The Summer Project Incubator (SPIn) is back for the summer of 2021 with a new slate of interdisciplinary community engaged research opportunities for Siena students. SPIn is coordinated by the College’s Center for Academic Community Engagement (ACE) in partnership with the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA). Students from all majors are welcome to apply for 60 spots, which offer $3366 in a stipend and educational award.
“In SPIn, students work on teams in action research projects, which help them grow in their research skills,” said Ruth Kassel, Ph.D., associate director of ACE. “More importantly, they grow in leadership skills that are best learned in a hands-on environment like engaging in productive conflict, developing cultural humility, and managing complex partnerships and projects. It doesn't hurt that the program is a lot of fun as well!”
The research sessions run June 7 – August 1 or July 5 – August 30. Projects available for summer 2021 include:
- Vibrant Communities: Black Wealth and Wellness
- Just Urban Transitions: Food, Climate, and Justice
- Refugee Voice: College Access & Neighborhood Relations
- Informal Summer Learning: Youth Led STEM
- Urban Farming: Community Voice
- Living Museum Project: Virtual Reality Theatre
- Siena Beverage Institute: Supporting Local Brewing
A'Livija Mullins-Richard ’22 and Deirdre McBreen ‘22 worked on the Vibrant Communities project last summer to develop a street market for farmers and vendors in downtown Albany. The partnership between Siena and the Albany South End nonprofit AVillage Inc. looks to build Black wealth and a more equitable future for the city.
"My favorite part of working with the South End Night Market was maintaining a physical sense of togetherness in the midst of a pandemic through the market, in addition to building relationships with Albany's non-profits, Black businesses, and people in the community," said Mullins-Richard.
McBreen encourages Siena students to explore SPIn opportunities.
“SPIn is a great way for students to grow not only in their skills but as a person. Working on community-oriented projects on a team with like-minded individuals allows you to explore a lot about what it means to make an impact,” she said. “I truly value what I learned during last summer on a SPIn team and it was a unique experience that I would not exchange for anything. I hope that future experiences will be as influential to me as SPin was.”
Samuel Hearn '22 has served as SPIn's director of marketing and community engagement.
"SPIn provides an amazing opportunity to get a hands-on approach to community development and collaborative research.With the guidance of experienced and dedicated faculty mentors/leaders, associates foster a deeper understanding of community development, teamwork, and growth in their professional skills. Having been a part of the program in 2020, I gained many valuable insights and learned several lessons that have helped better prepare me to go into the workforce."
The deadline to apply for a summer 2021 position is Wednesday, March 31. Interested in learning more? Attend a Zoom info session (no need to RSVP, just show up) March 23 at 10AM and March 25 at 3:30PM. Here’s the Zoom link: https://siena.zoom.us/j/96796640659 You can also contact Ruth Kassel at rkassel@siena.edu or (518) 782-6951.
SPIn started at Siena in 2017 with the Homelessness Data Project involving three faculty and six students.
