Westside Educational Ecosystem (We2)
The Westside Educational Ecosystem doubled in size and worked on projects focused on community development, urban sustainability, local historical documentation, and technology development.
Historic Resources and Technology Project
This project has laid groundwork that will lead to the development of a youth education program covering the basics of computer chip architecture, nano photolithography, and the intersection of these topics with art. The intern team was involved in collecting several oral histories, completed the nano photolithography procedure and created an electrical functioning chip.
LaSalle Park Community Development Project
The goal of the LaSalle Park team was to develop relationships with neighborhood stakeholders, co laborated with the City of South Bend, and connect residents to resources. By connecting neighborhood stakeholders with existing resources throughout the city, the team has been able to engage community potential in a way that will eventually create lasting benefits for the LaSa le Park Neighborhood.
Urban Sustainability and Resiliency Project
The mission of the urban sustainability team was to prepare for the planting of 500 trees on vacant lots in the next year. The group was able to acquired eleven new vacant lots for future Native Tree nurseries and assemble, trenche, and mark an irrigation system for an existing nursery on Alen Street. Existing tree nurseries were inventoried and graphed to measure their health and size, along with a number of educational materials.
Westside Community Development Project
The Westside Community Development team sought out and initiated conversations with neighbors and key community members. The team sought to identify barriers and bridge gaps between residents and resources through community events, canvassing, and advocacy. This project included translating code enforcement documents for the City of South Bend and organizing a community clean-up and mulching service project at Harrison Elementary.
Collaboration Partners
- 466 Works
- City of Elkhart
- City of South Bend
- emNet
- Enfocus
- Indiana University
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Michiana Area Council of Governments
- Riley High School
- Saint Mary’s College
- South Bend Regional Chamber
- Southeast Area Organized Residents (SOAR)
- Tolson Center for Excellence