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Contact Information
Stephanie Wolter, Project SHINE Coordinator

315-859-4879 or 315-272-6021
315-859-4477 (fax)
Project SHINE
In 1997 the Intergenerational Center for Learning at Temple University created an exciting service-learning initiative designed to combat the challenges faced by older immigrants & refugees.  In 2004 Hamilton College became a part of this initiative, known as Project SHINE ("Students Helping in the Naturalization of Elders").   

At Project SHINE: Central New York, college students help refugees and immigrants in ESOL and citizenship
"I really enjoyed helping my learners, and realized they had much to teach me as well."
classes located at the Utica BOCES ACCESS Site, the Adult Learning Center at MVRCR, and F.X. Matt Apartments.  College students work one-on-one or in small groups with adult learners for two hours each week for ten weeks.  They provide a much needed service to the Utica area by assisting adult learners in English and Citizenship preparation.  In the process, however, Hamilton students find that they learn just as much as they teach. 

Project SHINE was brought to Hamilton through the efforts of the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center with support provided by a grant from Temple University's Center for Intergenerational Learning and Learn & Serve America.  Today Hamilton is one of 19 Colleges and Universities participating in Project SHINE.  Here at Hamilton, Project SHINE continues to engage students in the local community, as students, and immigrants & refugees build intercultural and intergenerational relationships.

"I felt so good that I was helpful and made a difference"
-A SHINE Student