Urban Semester cohort out in the city for a tour of local agencies.
Internship at Charter Oak Cultural Center.
Students visit Hartford City Hall.
Students take part in a internship presentation.
Student presents at legislative session.
Students help out with mobile market.
Student does internship with Foodshare.
Student does internship at the Old State House.
Intership Coordinator and student visit Connecitcut's judicial courthouse.
Students return from tour of local non-profits and government agencies.
The URBAN SEMESTER PROGRAM offers students a tremendous opportunity for service learning and public service. For over 50 years, students from diverse backgrounds have participated in the classroom and internship experience, enabling them to assist Hartford in addressing its challenges. Nowhere in the United States are urban challenges greater than Hartford, Connecticut – a city full of both need and potential, struggle and hope, rich with diversity and urban culture, poignant in its contrasts between wealth and poverty. Beginning in Spring 2025, limited opportunities may exist in other Connecticut cities.
Students intern in human service agencies, government offices, and community and non-profit organizations. Urban Semester students involve themselves in issues facing the city from education, poverty, homelessness, youth issues, and crime, to the challenges of the changing economy. They intern in school-related programs, shelters, advocacy organizations, political offices, state and local government, and many other settings. Through two weekly seminars, they study and explore the issues in greater depth, taking part in thought-provoking discussions with community leaders and field trips into the city.
Josh (’23)
“At the end of this Urban Semester, the experience that I’ve had here has left a lasting impression on me, that I will never forget for the rest of my life.”
“I’ve not only had professional growth, but personal growth as well.”
“With the work I’ve completed during my internship I believe I have found my calling. I have found a career field where not only where I feel I may thrive, but one that I am very passionate about.”
“I have found a place where I truly enjoy the work that I do each day, and know that I am making a difference.”
Skyler (‘17)
“Beyond enriching my educational experience, living in Hartford with my urban semester classmates also introduced me to new friends that, to this day, I remain extremely close with.”
“Urban semester afforded me a perspective I never could have gotten in a traditional classroom setting.”
“There is a significant difference between reading about concepts in a textbook and interacting with them in the field, as I had the opportunity to do in Hartford .”
“I would recommend urban semester to anyone looking for both professional and personal growth.”
