a
M

Drew Action Scholars Make an Impact for the Common Good  

The annual Town Hall provides a forum for discovery and discussion

May 2023 – Drew University Action Scholars explore real-world problems and solutions in the classroom and through their volunteer work. 

The annual Town Hall event gives first-year Action Scholars the opportunity to present their creative projects and discuss collaborations for the common good.

Preparation for the Town Hall is a year-long process. Students research best practices; consult with relevant public and community groups, clients, customers, or other stakeholders; develop an action plan; and take action based on that plan.

Students present within the three pillars of the Drew Action Scholar commitment: community, innovation, and global impact.

Ten groups presented at the recent Town Hall. Here’s a sampling of how Drew’s Action Scholars designed their projects to impact the greater good.

SELF – Social Emotional Learning Facilitators
Briajohnae Jones
Sarah Koblitz
Tia Prabhakar
Anthony Quesada
Julia Romano
Annelise Wade

The group took to a classroom setting to facilitate lessons and activities with children to improve social emotional learning, a developmental process referring to the different social and emotional skills which affect both physical and emotional health. 

During a six-week intervention at the Morristown Neighborhood House, a local community partner, with over 100 students during one-hour weekly sessions, SELF put their planning and research into action. 

They implemented varied, interactive lessons to encourage children to strengthen the five aspects of social emotional learning: self management, self awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.

The intervention garnered excellent comments and feedback from the teachers at The Neighborhood House, with the overwhelming majority stating they would incorporate social emotional learning activities into their own classrooms.

DASH Drew Access to Sexual Health
Emily Cookson
Jax Dal Bon
Isabella Landino
Julianne Magistrado
Alexa Santillan
Nora Wilson

The group seeks to spread awareness on reproductive health and provide comprehensive resources and access to reproductive health products on Drew’s campus.

While free reproductive health products are offered through Drew’s Health Services, a student survey shows that 98.3 percent of students were unaware of the offering, citing a lack of free menstrual products.  

The group plans to partner with Health Services to improve communication and is working with the Food Pantry and other resources on campus to provide increased access to reproductive health products and resources.

CyberPunk
Brazil Brown
Angelie Jean-Baptiste
Ryan Kulyassa
Kenny Rodriguez
Cadence Schiffer

Cyber attacks are an issue that affects everyone, especially those with inadequate knowledge of the potential risks. Digital hygiene, the regular cleaning of digital assets, is crucial to prevent a cyber attack.

By researching case studies and interviewing industry stakeholder experts, the group founded @cyberpunk, a social media-based platform that provides regular advice and updates on digital hygiene best practices, such as password management and antivirus platforms.

Global Media Group: Filling the Gap in Global Media
Teeya Desgoutte
Marissa Guarjardo
Andzani Mthenjane
Michail Tsatalios

The group conducted a survey, identifying a gap in knowledge amongst Drew students on thorough awareness of global events, stemming from unreliable or insufficient media and news resources. 

Through their motto “curiosity meets connection,” the group seeks to provide a theory of change by providing a series of relatable, student-run podcasts on global and political topics to increase awareness and global perspectives.

The podcasts will be released during the fall 2023 semester.

THE LATEST AT DREW

Recent News