What Is PAL?

The Partners at Learning Program (PAL) functions as the service -learning component of UC San Diego’s (UCSD) Education Studies Program. As part of PAL courses, UCSD undergraduates work with PreK-12 students in public schools as tutors, mentors and art scholars. These PAL college role models challenge and support students’ academic work and inspire them to pursue a college education. UCSD PAL students work closely with classroom teachers to

Mentoring Tutoring Community Service

Education Studies Program

University of California San Diego

University of California San DiegoEducation Studies Program

9500 Gilman DriveLa Jolla, CA 92093-0070

Pepper Canyon Hall, 3rd Floor(858) 822-2177

HTTP://EDS.UCSD.EDU/PAL.SHTML

Partners At

LearningUCSD Partners at

Learning Contacts:General Information: PreK:

Melissa Wolf Alison Wishard

Mawolf@ucsd.edu Awishard@ucsd.edu

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Things You May Ask....

Who Works with PAL?Each school year the PAL program places more than 500 UCSD tutors, mentors and art scholars in schools across San Diego County. These students provide over 20,000 hours of public service. One of PAL’s primary objectives is to work in under-served schools and communities. Almost all PAL partner schools are located in low to middle income neighborhoods. The median free and reduced lunch participation rate of students at these schools is 90%. In addition, PAL’s partner schools’ median Academic Performance Index (API) ranks below the California statewide target.

PAL Goals

• Explore the place of public service in U.S. Society and the social and political organization of the school system

• Learn practical and meaningful ways to assist children in PreK-12 settings

• Learn about and reflect on the impact of public service on individuals and communities

• Learn innovative approaches to teaching and learning

• Gain knowledge about public education and related fields

• Make a difference in a child’s life

Why Should I Take a PAL Course?

Regardless of your career and educational goals, you will benefit from the real world skills and the unique perspective gained from taking a PAL course. Working with children and their families, interacting with education professionals, and tackling authentic challenges will enhance your communication and social skills. Most importantly, you will be contributing to the community and making a difference.

Do I Have to Want to be a Teacher to Take a PAL Course?

No. These courses are open to students from all majors and colleges. Many UCSD students take PAL classes to work with children and youth, to get real world experiences, or to do community service. PAL courses also fulfill GE and significant writing requirements for some colleges, as well as some of the requirements for a minor in Education Studies.

What’s the Difference Between a Mentor, a Tutor and an Art Scholar?

PAL mentors work closely with one or two students. PAL tutors are assigned to a teacher and work with individuals

PAL CoursesMentors (EDS 130)Grades 3-6

Develop mentoring relationships with individual students through:

One-on-one mentoring Educational Field Trips Events at UCSDTutors (EDS 134/136/138)Grades K-12

Support academic learning for the students in classrooms by:

Working closely with classroom teachers and students

Tutoring one-on-one or in small groups Preschool Assistants (EDS 131)PreK

Assist in the classroom or community center by:

Assisting children with academic and social development

Facilitating activities which help linguistic and socio-emotional growth

Artsbridge (EDS 137)Grades K-12

College art scholars work with classrooms and schools to:

Create and deliver unique art lessons and projects

Connect art activities with state and national standards.

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