The Connection

Community Consultants Program

Sign up to be a Connection Community Consultant by October 14

Read more below about the program and submit the online form in the "How to Get Involved" section.

What is "The Connection"?

The Connection Community Consultants Program, also known as "The Connection," connects students with community-based organizations (CBOs) in Baltimore to work on short-term projects. Hone your interpersonal group skills and gain exposure to the world of non-profit organizations through short-term consulting projects involving: policy and procedure writing; strategic planning; publication assistance; surveying; research; literature reviews; writing/revising grants; curriculum design; teaching health topics, and more.

In 2005, The Connection was launched in response to both student requests for more short-term service opportunities in Baltimore, and community requests for collaborative project support. The program connects students to the community, learning with experience, and JHU to Baltimore. The Connection is an internationally recognized program, having won the Program of the Year in April 2008 from ACPA College Student Educator International, Commission for Student Involvement. Additionally, in 2009, The Connection won the "Best In Class" award for humanitarianism and community service through the Jenzabar Foundation.

Who can be a consultant in "The Connection"?

Any interested student within the Johns Hopkins health professional schools can participate. We provide services to SOURCE partnering CBOs in Baltimore that need assistance with short-term projects (6-8 weeks long). Graduate students in the Schools of Public Health, Nursing, and Medicine may have the most interest in participating in The Connection. Faculty and staff may support or join teams on a case-by-case basis, and alumni can also get involved either as a team member or as a subject matter expert (please see "How to Get Involved" below).

How can I learn more about the Connection?

Download this flyer or view this presentation with more details on the Connection!

Why is "The Connection" necessary?

Many CBOs need help/advice when applying for funding or conducting short-term research and YOU need experience/a chance to put your skills to work in the real world. This is a great chance to form mutually beneficial partnerships with area CBOs. Additionally, many graduate students do not have the time to commit to any organization for an entire year. This gives students the opportunity to be involved with short-term projects.

Time Commitment

Projects will be short-term with a flexible time commitment. The maximum time for each project will be 8 weeks. Students will work together in small teams (3-5 students) to complete the projects. Most students have reported spending on average 3-4 hours per week on their projects. The Connection projects are offered in three rounds each year (fall, winter, and spring). Please complete a Connection profile form (see below) so that you receive project announcements for each round. Submitting a profile form does not imply a commitment!

What types of projects have been completed in the past?

The consulting projects consist of strategic consulting, fundraising strategy and grants, performance measurement, and communications consulting. Topics vary year to year based on CBO needs and requests. Previous projects focused on environmental health, intimate partner violence, nutrition, neighborhood development, and more. View these year-end reports for descriptions of past projects (in PDF format):

How to Get Involved

Fill out the Consultant Profile Form online to be considered for upcoming Connection projects. Additionally, you will be asked to upload your resume or CV to complete the Connection Consultant Profile Form.

For alums that wish to participate, please contact the Connection Management Team directly for assistance. Include your JHU school, program, and graduation year, as well as if you would like to serve on a team or as a subject matter expert. Be sure to include your resume or CV.

Questions?

Contact SOURCE at SOURCE@jhu.edu

SOURCE

Audiences