Matt Catrambone

What is the DCSI: Dartmouth's Service Program

Greetings, everyone. Checking in on another Sunday evening after a busy but very fulfilling week. I hope you all are doing well! This week, I wanted to talk about my experience with the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact, aka DCSI, or the service-learning center here on campus. I remember when I was applying to Dartmouth, I had trouble finding information as to what the service program looked like. I hope that by offering my personal experience with the Center, I can help some like-minded applicants. To see a more general overview of their programming, I would consider visiting their website: https://students.dartmouth.edu/social-impact/.

After settling in in September, there were several events where we could get to know the programs on-campus. To me, this was very overwhelming at first, but eventually, I realized that I didn't have to be a part of everything that interested me. I was going to have to make some choices: one of those was to work with DCSI. Upon listening to the presenters' enthusiasm for their well-intentioned programs, my excitement for involvement grew very large.

Currently, I am involved in two programs. The first is Foundations for Social Impact — a first-year cohort of likeminded, passionate students where we learn about practices in social impact and develop leadership and communication skills so that we can create meaningful change. The lessons aren't confined to the classroom, though. We often visit places on campus like the Hood Museum of Art or the game lab and learn from a diverse set of professionals who practice social impact, but in very different ways. I'm even more excited for the spring when we work on a consulting project for a nonprofit organization in the Upper Valley. It will be a great way to apply the skills and gain practical experience while building relationships with my peers. Highly recommend for any Dartmouth student interested in making a genuine, actionable impact!

Aside from Foundations, I'm a part of DREAM which I've written about in previous blog posts. Although they are no longer affiliated with the DCSI, the organization works closely with Dartmouth students on a village-based mentoring program with local communities. It's been a great way to fulfill my passion for direct service and interaction with kids. If DREAM isn't for you, don't worry! There are many other DCSI "Youth Education and Mentoring" programs that many of my friends are involved in. For instance, Eddi and Lauren (pictured below) are a part of America Reads, a nationwide organization that grants older students the opportunity to mentor children, travelling to local underprivileged schools to promote the importance of literacy. Here is a link to more YEM experiences: https://students.dartmouth.edu/social-impact/programs-initiatives/students/youth-education-mentoring-programs-yem

One of my favorite parts of the DCSI is how it is so diverse in the program offerings, even expanding its presence into the classroom with SIPs. Social Impact Practicums are project-based learning opportunities that are embedded into select courses' curricula. Although I am yet to take one, I have heard only good things from peers. They range in discipline from sociology to engineering courses, offering an option for all types of students interested in a variety of social issues. Check out more here: https://students.dartmouth.edu/social-impact/programs-initiatives/faculty/social-impact-practicums-sips

As always, please reach out with any questions. I hope this was an informative overview on my experience as a first year. I can't wait to update you all on my future involvements and journey in social impact.