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Casey Starr
University Park Partnership Liaison, Civic Engagement and Volunteering Center
Clark University/Main South Community Development Corporation

Education: Spanish and Gender Studies, Clark University, 2007

Why did you join MACC VISTA: I joined MACC VISTA because it was a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience and to help me try to figure out what I really want to do in life. I decided to stay for a second year because I grew far more, both personally and professionally, than I ever could have expected. Plus I love being surrounded by inspirational and hopeful people; the Corps itself is magical.

What is the role of higher education institutes in their community? Institutions of higher education have a responsibility to promote civic engagement and active citizenship to their students. To do this successfully, the school itself should model an active institution. It is the school's duty to create a partnership with their local community that fosters respect and reciprocity. In addition, it is also the school's responsibility to offer both extracurricular opportunities for the students to get involved in the community, and classes that have a service component integrated into the curriculum.