Impact
Dwight Hall supports over 90 student-led service groups and
fellowships which contribute over 150,000 hours of direct service and advocacy
each year. The efforts of these volunteers impact 20,000 people in the State of
Connecticut alone. Listed below are examples that demonstrate the range of our
service programming.
- The Education Network promotes positive youth development through groups like Yale Children’s Theater, which produced 4 plays and a workshop series to encourage confidence and self-expression last year.
- The International Network inspires thoughtful and responsible service abroad and advocacy at home. For example, Uganda Hope Network collaborates with Hope for African Children and Cosma Foundation to impact the lives of 150 households.
- The Public Health Network enhances community outcomes through awareness, service, and collaboration as exemplified by Hypertension Awareness and Prevention Program at Yale (HAPPY), which regularly provides free screenings to New Haven residents.
- The Social Justice Network builds coalitions between groups advancing human rights, enabling member groups like Elmseed Enterprise Fund to provide over 30 small, low-interest loans totaling $70,000 to local entrepreneurs.
- Fellowships promote intensive, community-based service experiences for students, such as the Public School Interns who collaborate with 12 New Haven Public Schools for academic engagement and enrichment services.
- Co-Op After School (CAS). Over 375 students participated in the 2014-2015 academic year in nearly 50 courses in academic enrichment, personal development, community service, or the arts.
- Socially Responsible Investment Fund (SRI). Students invest a portion of Dwight Hall’s reserve funds in local community banks and publicly traded companies committed to sound environmental, labor, and governance policies, yielding positive economic and social returns.
Needs
Unrestricted contributions to Dwight Hall support the the following organizational needs:
1) Resources for student-initiated service and advocacy projects. Dwight Hall provides member organizations with funds to implement their programs, access vehicles and bus passes to transport volunteers, and supplies to coordinate their efforts.
2) Leadership Development to improve program quality. Dwight Hall engages leaders in the Greater New Haven community and a global network of alumni to conduct training and workshops. It coaches and mentors student leaders to recognize community assets, support issues that are identified by the community, design and implement a theory of change, evaluate impact, and plan for successful transitions.
3) Resources to activate a Social Innovation Laboratory. Dwight Hall enables experimentation and collaboration as a Social Innovation Laboratory. The Lab provides a forum for students to bring forth their ideas for social change, equips them with tools and resources, and connects them with experts for feedback and guidance.
4) Strengthened relationships and collaboration between students, Dwight Hall, and New Haven community agencies through Fellowship programs.
5) Marketing and Communication improvements.