Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Internships & Community Engagement continues the Titans of Community Engagement video series, which highlights high-impact service-learning activities across campus.
The fifth video in the series centers on a specialized section of the course Introductory Practicum in Child and Adolescent Studies, which focuses on the nonprofit sector. This course includes a collaboration between CSUF students and faculty, and the staff and leaders at the local nonprofit, Higher Ground Youth and Family Services.
Taught by Diana Robles Hausman, lecturer in child and adolescent studies, students in this course work with children and families in a variety of settings, including after-school programming, tutoring, counseling, family wellness and human trafficking prevention. The course was designed specifically with Higher Ground Youth and Family Services in mind, granting students the opportunity to participate within a nonprofit organization environment. Students learn how Higher Ground responds directly to community needs, and gain critical skills and knowledge necessary for career success in their field, all while forming new understandings of those they serve and themselves. Because of the proximity to campus, many students find themselves discovering their potential as they take on their first leadership roles in their own neighborhood.
“Having this experience allows you to see the child as a whole. It allows me to really understand how to help them,” said Diego Olivares, a child and adolescent studies student in the course.
Through this service, the children and families served by Higher Ground receive the benefit of motivated and engaged students eager to participate in and support their vital programming.
“These students make a difference in the lives of our kids on a daily basis,” said Joe Baldo, founder of Higher Ground Youth and Family Services.
Robles Hausman is scheduled to offer the specialized practicum course for the third time in fall 2025.
To learn more about the course Introductory Practicum in Child and Adolescent Studies, contact Robles Hausman at drobles@fullerton.edu.