A Dean's Informal Assessment of Public Service at Harvard

As my first semester comes to a close in the newly-created position of assistant dean of Harvard College for public service and director of the Phillips Brooks House (PBH), it seems time to give an informal report on what is going on in undergraduate public service at Harvard College.

You really need to capture the activity on film rather than in words. Harvard undergraduates are tutoring in Cambridge elementary schools through the HAND (House and Neighborhood Development) program; through the Phillips Brooks House Association, Inc. (PBHA), students are leading some 50 community-based enrichment, learning and service projects throughout Cambridge and greater Boston in addition to planning for 13 intensive summer programs; CityStep teaches and reaches Cambridge fifth graders through dance. Through Earthen Vessels, the Institute of Politics Community Action Committee, Education for Action and First-Year Community Services Program, many more students get involved. We estimate that two-thirds of our undergraduates participate in public service at some time during their Harvard career.

The public service network brings these student leaders, as well as house public service tutors and College public service and career guidance staff, together in a forum to promote, strengthen and support undergraduates in their volunteer programs. Working with the newlycreated Faculty of Arts and Sciences Committee on Public Service, the network will encourage collaborations among students and promote increased faculty connections with public service.

This summer alone, the PBHA Summer Urban Program will reach an estimated 708 children in Boston and Cambridge. More than 100 Harvard undergraduates will be involved. Building on training and planning throughout the semester, the Harvard students will be directing camps, leading recreational and educational programs, managing field trips and in every way making a real impact on the lives of children and their families. Many of the students will live in the neighborhoods and developments of the campers they serve.

The staff of PBH is an active partner in the running of these summer programs, working to support the undergraduate student leaders and to provide technical assistance. Though PBHA and the Dean of Students Office are currently in discussion concerning the relationship of PBHA to Harvard University, we have every expectation that a productive relationship will be maintained. In this time of uncertainty, however, we wish to be clear. PBH staff will continue to do all that we can do to support and assist summer student leaders of PBH programs.

Starting as a small group of youth enrichment camps more than 20 years ago, the summer programming is now a vibrant group of 11 summer youth enrichment camps and programs created and directed by Harvard undergraduates, supported by Harvard University staff and resources, private donations, public programs and dedicated volunteers. Each year, the University provides well in excess of $300,000 in cash and in-kind support to PBHA and its summer community service programs. PBHA itself raises additional cash and in-kind resources, making the Summer Urban Program a true community partnership.

The Freshman Urban Program, a week-long intensive public service program for selected incoming firstyear students, will provide a running start for public service during the first week of September. The public service network--the students, tutors and staff (including a new public service administrator position just filled to work closely with HAND)--will begin to implement its action-oriented agenda of providing information, support, training and opportunities for undergraduates to lead and participate in public service programs throughout their undergraduate careers at Harvard.

We are all looking forward to continuing the numerous partnerships with students, faculty, staff, tutors and community leaders that make public service such an integral part of the education of many Harvard undergraduates.

Judith H. Kidd,

assistant dean for public service and

director of the Phillips Brooks House