Wilkinson is involved with many community projects involving local high schools and
colleges. Learn more about what we do.
Civic Engagement Initiatives
Civic Engagement Initiatives inspires students to see themselves as part of the larger
social fabric and to be informed and active citizens in our local, national, and global
communities. CEI creates experiences wherein students develop the knowledge, skills,
and motivation they need for responsible engagement in our diverse society.
Contact civic@chapman.edu for accommodations and questions.
The Community Engagement Literacies Initiative (CELI)
Wilkinson has collaborated with Chaffey High School’s Library on community engagement
literacies projects each year since the inception of the Community Engagement Literacies
Initiative (CELI) in Fall 2018. The coordinators – Chaffey H.S. Librarian Alicia Morales
(a Chapman University I-Teach alum) and Chapman Professor Jan Osborn – collaborate
on community literacies projects.
Contact Dr. Jan Osborn for more information.
Higher Ground
Higher Ground is a gang prevention/after school program located in Anaheim and centered
at Lincoln Elementary School and Park. Chapman University students mentor those involved
in Higher Ground at the site in Anaheim. In addition to mentoring, Chapman is working
to sustain and broaden the partnership between Chapman and the program by providing
campus tours and activities for the children which are both educational and fun in
order to socialize them to consider college life.
Contact Dr. Victoria Carty for more information.
Italian Studies Council
The Italian Studies Council is a philanthropic group whose goal is to bridge higher
learning in Italian Studies with the possibilities and needs of the community locally
and abroad. The Council aims to support Italian Studies at Chapman and raise students’
awareness regarding the potential applications of their studies in various areas of
cultural, artistic, and business entrepreneurship.
Contact Dr. Federico Pacchioni for more information.
OC Literary Society Collaborative
The collaborative provides students from Chapman University and three area community
colleges – Citrus, Santa Ana, and Santiago Canyon – an opportunity to work together
to explore contemporary literature and meet the authors to discuss their work in an
intimate and interactive setting at the Orange County Literary Society luncheons,
held six times each year. The collaborative, hosted by Chapman University, is directed
by Jan Osborn, Chapman English Department, and Marianne Smith, Citrus College. Northern
Trust provides books, transportation, and a table at the luncheons for students and
faculty.
Contact Dr. Jan Osborn for more information.
Orange High School Literacies Partnership
The Literacies Partnership works closely with Orange High School to provide authentic
literacy opportunities for students at our neighborhood school. Activities include the Young Writers Workshop Series, in collaboration with The John Fowles Center for Creative Writing; the Annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest, in collaboration with the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education; and other projects developed around literacy events on campus.
Contact Dr. Jan Osborn for more information.
Wilkinson College's Iluminación Writing Program
The Iluminación Writing Program strives to create collaborative partnerships between
Chapman University students and local area high school students in order to better
understand and address the gap between high school and college writing. The program
develops stronger motivation for and understanding of college writing by providing
real audiences and venues for student writing. We provide support and mentorship for
first-generation high school participants by connecting them to Chapman University
and college life from the application process through admittance. The program leads
to collaboration and action between the vibrant local community and Chapman.
Contact Morgan Read-Davidson for more information!
