As part of the Collaboration and Community Building reflection, all Scholars are required to attend at least one CESP Session (Reflection, Action, Partnership (RAP) Session or Educational Session) during their time in the program. RAP Sessions, in particular, provide a space for scholars to discuss social issues that they care about with other Scholars. Topics for RAP Sessions can range from the education gap to housing and homelessness. During each session, scholars reflect on an issue, discuss root causes, explore action steps to make changes, and make connections with other scholars who are actively working to combat this issue or similar issues.
While all CESP Sessions have these three components, session formats can range from a movie screening to a (virtual) neighborhood tour. RAP Sessions are led by scholars in the program, so they can take on any shape and size. RAP Sessions are a great way to meet other scholars and make meaningful connections while in the program. While scholars are required to attend one CESP Session, we highly encourage students to attend as many as possible. Oftentimes, RAP Sessions will count towards multiple reflection themes, aside from Collaboration and Community Building.
Lead a CESP Session!
If you've already attended one CESP Session and are looking for more ways to build community with other Scholars, the next step is to lead a CESP Session! This is a great leadership and facilitation experience and it can fulfill the Agency reflection for CESP.CESP will support any and all who would like to facilitate an in-person, remote, or hybrid RAP Session or Processing Session this year. As a reminder, we recommend that you attend at least one RAP Session prior to facilitating, but it is not required. CESP staff are here to support you through planning and facilitation. Interested, but not sure what your topic will be? Please reach out to CCEL staff at [email protected]. Ready to start planning? Submit your ideas below!a
CESP Session Proposal Form