ABOUT US

Connecting a Community of Educators
Since 1995, Community Works Institute (CWI) has served as a beacon of change and as a provider of collegial collaboration and professional development—through innovative publications, events, and resources for educators.

We are also building a long term community of connected, likeminded educators to encourage and sustain change and innovation. Our focus is on supporting curriculum that has place as the context, service-learning as the strategy, and sustainability as the goal. 

Educators, schools and programs using the CWI model focus on creating learning experiences that enable students to apply skills and content knowledge to real needs in their local community. Schools employing the CWI model are dedicated to providing opportunties for meaningful student voice and learning opportunties that resonate with purpose. more 

“What you are doing is wonderful! The Institute encompassed community building within itself while presenting the knowledge and understanding of service-learning....I was able to share my vision and acquire input from dynamic individuals. Thank you.”
Iyaunna Towery, Director
Empowering Service Through Partnerships
Los Angeles, CA

Resources for Educators and Community Partners
CWI provides resources that include publications, trainings, and institutes, that help to create and sustain a movement toward integrating service-learning, place-based and sustainability education. Our primary annual events take place at Shelburne Farms in Vermont and in Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University. Outreach activities and workshops take place in other locations througout the year. We use a field tested framework and faculty team, with a shared expertise and approach. Community Works Institute's alumni, and participants include K-16 and non-formal educators, along with students, administrators, program personnel, policy makers and community members. contact CWI

"I am embarking on an exciting adventure, armed with new strategies and a refreshed viewpoint of education....The disconnect between the educational community and the real world has been a source of concern for educators and businesses alike for many years, but service-learning creates a bridge between the two to create lifelong citizens.”
Margot Glenos, Teacher
East Park Elementary, Moss Point, Mississippi

Partnering with Schools and Communties
Since 1995 Community Works Institute has supported a wide variety of schools, regional programs and organizations. Our events, resources and publications have supported educators from across the US, Canada, and around the world. We provide local on site consulting services, in-services, and trainings each year across the U.S. and internationally. Our fee schedule is available on request info • schools & organizations supported by CWI

CWI Faculty
Our faculty members and consultants are veteran educators and trainers. Our faculty have worked at all levels from classroom to program, and on regional and national initiatives. We are well versed in the ground level realities and competing priorities that face teachers and institutions. CWI works with schools, districts, and organizations to sensibly bring these together to implement their goals with service-learning as a unifying theme. read more

“...wonderful! I found it delicious to find so many spirited educators who have a wide and deep understanding of the possibility of what education can be.”
Hope Hawkins, Project Manager
Future of Life, Wilmington, Delaware

CWI's SUMMER EAST
Institute on Service-Learning
at Shelburne Farms • July 2012, dates tba
Don't miss our nationally acclaimed Summer East—Institute on Service-Learning, held each July at Shelburne Farms in Vermont. more

CWI's Summer WEST Institute on Service-Learning
July 30-August 3, 2012 • Los Angeles, CA

CWI Summer Institutes provides training, models, strategies, and resources. Hundreds of educators are now alumni of this event. more


A Thank You to Our Educator Contributors
We would like to thank the many students, teachers and educational organizations who continue to thoughtfully share their work with us through our publications and this web site.


A special thanks for design and illustration support to Mary Azarian, and Dede Cummings.