Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice (DESJ) Capstone Experience
Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice (DESJ) Capstone Experience
Everett Community College
Everett Community College
Embedded Files
In the DESJ capstone, students apply their learning to the real world.
In the DESJ capstone, students apply their learning to the real world.
In Winter, students in DESJ 297: From Inquiry to Civic Action (2 credits SS, online coursework with community/campus activities) connect with community partners and learn about social movements, civic engagement, and ethical considerations for working with communities. By the end of the quarter, students propose original civic action projects rooted in the learning and community connections they build during this class.
In the Spring, students enroll in DESJ 298: Capstone (3 credits, SS) to implement their projects, reflect on what they have learned, and share their experiences with the campus and community.
Who can participate?
Who can participate?
While DESJ 297 and 298 are required for students pursuing the DESJ degree emphasis, these classes are also open to EvCC students on any academic track. SOC 170: Power and Privilege is recommended to be taken before or along with DESJ 297 when possible, although we have also had students in the past who developed relevant background in other ways.
Examples of Past Student Projects
Examples of Past Student Projects
Moss Martin collected survey and interview data to investigate food and housing insecurity at Everett Community College.
Nohri Nunez connected with disabled clients of the Marysville Food Bank's home delivery service to learn about how to best serve their needs and preferences.
Blanca Moreno worked with a new campus support group to offer resources and create community for undocumented students.
Reena Riojas worked with the DEI Office in Mukilteo School District to research and develop a district policy for addressing hate speech in schools.
Austin Au facilitated campus conversations about neurodiversity and belonging through ethnography and neurodivergent-led workshop events.
Megdalyn Loesch worked with EvCC Emergency Services to improve the accessibility of emergency services and announcements for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Kirk Ralson collected survey data on use of the EvCC Pride Center and used his findings to advocate for improved student support and campus spaces.
Princess Ascencio analyzed national data about missing and murdered Indigenous women and assembled information and resources about the movements for justice and solidarity.
Alena Benoit started a non-profit to provide resources to non-native English speakers and hosted a listening event in order to develop workshops and events responding to their needs.
Jill Borchers researched wellness for correctional healthcare staff through surveys and interviews and proposed solutions based on the Washington Way Initiative.
Megan Macias worked with EvCC's Transitional Studies division to develop and conduct a survey about the needs of immigrant students on campus.
Danielle Villasin worked with the University of Washington Racial Restrictive Convenants Project to find and bring to light historic King County deeds with race-based restrictions on property ownership.
And we have more ideas for you! Take a look at some of our onoing community partnerships and other ideas for future student projects.
Comments or questions?
Comments or questions?
Page updated
Report abuse