Service-Learning Trip – Illinois: Social Issues Today in Chicago

You’ll start the morning with a brief orientation session where you’ll hear about the day's service activity. Your group will discuss the importance and relevance of the project and how you can apply what you learn from the day to your daily life upon returning home. Note: Service activities can be developed based on group needs and requests.

Many major cities have issues regarding affordable housing and homelessness, and natural disasters have only made the issue worse. Problems related to housing and homelessness persist in different neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Working on these issues is not only a great way to help the city rebuild but also an important way to learn its history. Projects may include: -Home rebuilding and construction -Vacant lot clearing -Assisting local homeless shelters

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Departing from the Wendella Dock, an expert architecture tour guide will lead you through all three branches of the Chicago River. This 75-minute tour highlights Chicago's rich architectural heritage, with dramatic views of residential and office buildings along the water. You’ll discover a wide range of styles designed by notable architects Mies van der Rohe and Bertrand Goldberg as well as the Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill firm.

Tonight, dinner is included. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to explore the area.

This evening, enjoy live jazz music.

Start the morning with a brief orientation session on the day's service activity.

A city is made up of many different and vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own history, culture, highlights, and challenges. Neighborhood revitalization emphasizes the residents’ quality of life, usually with a focus on low-income areas. This approach is a great way to support the city while learning more about what makes it special—its people and neighborhoods. Projects may include: -Neighborhood and park beautification (murals, plantings, etc.) -Park clean-up and planting -Blighted property and lot clean-up -Community center support -Neighborhood canvassing and surveying -Storm drain clearing

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Enjoy a walking tour of Chicago followed by some free time.

Dinner will be included this evening.

Join your group in exploring space! Experience sky shows with breathtaking visuals of far-away galaxies in one of the world's most technologically advanced dome theaters. Discover the mysteries of the Universe through interactive and engaging exhibition galleries and sky shows in multiple theaters.

You’ll start the morning with a brief orientation session on the day's service activity. Your group will discuss the importance and relevance of the project and how you can apply what you learn from the day to your daily life upon returning home.

Environmental sustainability is one of the greatest challenges facing the country today. From rising sea levels to sinking wetlands and bayous to natural disasters, the future is dependent upon people responding and adapting to climate change. Environmental sustainability projects not only have an immense impact on the community but also provide great educational opportunities for the volunteers. Projects may include: -Working in public green spaces and urban gardens/farms -Ecosystem restoration -Conservation and disaster management projects -Planting trees and rain gardens in flood-prone areas

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

A local environmentalist will join your group to discuss the importance of this service work in helping the Chicago area.

Tonight, dinner will be included.

This evening, you’ll watch a documentary about Chicago and how the work your group is doing is relevant to the city. Afterward, there will be time for discussion and reflection.

Briefly discuss the day's service activity as well as the importance and relevance of the project. Think about how you can apply what you learn from the day to your routine when you’re back at home.

Education is the key component to the sustainable, long-term growth and the prosperity of a city. From elementary school to high school, a community can only go as far as the quality of its education system. Unfortunately, a lot of work is needed at many schools across the country. Education-related volunteer projects not only help communities in both the short term and the long term, but they also highlight the many challenges and benefits of the education system. Projects may include: -School and playground beautification -Classroom and library organization -Painting classrooms -Technology support

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Hull House was a U.S. settlement house that was co-founded in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr. Located on the Near West Side of Chicago, Hull House aided recently arrived European immigrants. By 1911, Hull House had grown to 13 buildings.

Tonight, dinner will be included and you’ll have the rest of the evening free to explore at your leisure.

You’ll start the morning with a brief orientation session on the day's service activity.

The arts have a tremendous ability to change individuals and groups in positive ways—investment in this area can improve the local economy and increase residents’ quality of life. Volunteer art projects can help cultivate community by communicating the area’s history and bridging the gap between different cultures. Projects may include: -Mural painting -Museum or community art center support -Cemetery clean-up -Working at a local art or music festival

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Enjoy a walking tour through Chicago’s famous Loop neighborhood.

Enjoy a group dinner together.

Dare to stand on The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago, with incredible views from the 103rd floor, going 1353 feet straight down. Atop the second-tallest building in North America, Skydeck Chicago is a "one-stop Chicago" experience featuring museum-quality interactive exhibits, the super-fast multimedia elevator ride, and new theater presentations highlighting the architecture and culture of Chicago.

This evening, you’ll make the final entries in your Reflection Journal and share some of the most significant observations and perspectives that have taken shape throughout your service-learning trip in Chicago. We’ll also discuss how these experiences may be most relevant for us all as we return home.

Your rewarding and enjoyable Service-Learning in the Windy City program comes to an end as your Tour Director accompanies your group to the airport on your final day.