Barry University School of Social Work emphasizes the value and significance of academic growth within a social service setting. BSW students are required to venture out from their familiar traditional classroom and engage in community-based experiential learning. For social work students, this experiential format involves working with vulnerable populations in need in social service settings across Miami-Dade and neighboring counties.
This past spring semester, the School of Social Work partnered with the following organizations to bring forth a successful experiential learning experience for our BSW students:
BSW students volunteered with Food for the Poor, an international organization that provides both emergency supplies and sustainable living education (e.g., the creation of tilapia fishing ponds) that helps developing nations. The students focused on increasing global hunger awareness, collecting supplies and raising funds during their service learning experience.
Five students supervised volunteer involvement for the Special Olympics of South Florida Summer Games in April 2014. The Special Olympics is an international organization that promotes the building of self-esteem in individuals with intellectual disabilities by facilitating their participation in athletic competitions.
For their service learning experience, eight students visited individual patients and assisted with group activities at Sinai Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Sinai offers rehabilitation as well as long-term care to a variety of diverse patients.
Nine Barry students tutored elementary school students and worked in the media center at Gratigny Elementary School, a public elementary school in Miami-Dade County.