31 Jan Youth Opportunity Center Named Community Partner of the Year by Ball State University

Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns (L) presents the Community Partner of the Year Award to YOC COO, Lynn Doppler and YOC Board President, Jeff Parsons.

Ball State’s Office of Community Engagement accepted nominations from Ball State faculty and staff for the 2018 Local Community Partner Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize a Muncie/Delaware County business, organization, or agency that has demonstrated excellence in their contributions as a community partner with Ball State University.

Nominees must have partnered with Ball State faculty, staff, and/or students between August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017, as part of one of the following community-based learning experiences; service or immersive learning, community-based research or internship and/or practicum.

Over the past year, the YOC welcomed Ball State faculty and immersive learning students to better understand what educational experiences best prepare YOC residents for academic and life success after they are discharged.

YOC staff worked together with Ball State faculty to develop immersive learning and research plans; train Ball State students in rapport-building, confidentiality, and safety; implement reading interventions; and help run the day-to-day aspects of the project.

This collaboration led to many successes including meaningful gains in reading skills for YOC residents, rich skill development for Ball State students, co-presentations at several national conferences, and inspiration for continued research collaboration.