Local student participates in PLACES Program

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PELLA — Several local students participated in the Central College Program for Learning Awareness of Cultures in an Experiential Setting (PLACES) facilitated by the community-based learning office, during the fall 2009 semester.

On Dec. 1 to 3, students enrolled in experiential modules presented their work with children and families at-risk, persons who are confined to long-term care, persons with disabilities and other topics. Local participants included Michelle La Plant, senior, art major, graduate of Newton Senior High School, volunteered at Nelson Manor in Newton; Natasha Jansen, junior, exercise science major, graduate of Lynnville-Sully High School, volunteered at Pella Regional Long Term Care; and Laura Braun, junior, exercise science major, graduate of Newton Senior High School, volunteered at Children and Family Urban Ministries in Des Moines.

The PLACES program began at Central in 1996 when the college initiated a new core curriculum, which included a cultural awareness requirement unique to most liberal arts settings. Students are required to study a foreign language, non-western cultures and obtain two semester hours of experiential credit. Students can earn credits through the study abroad program or by working with non-profit organizations in surrounding areas like Des Moines, Ottumwa, Newton and Pella.

Central College is a four-year, private, residential, liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa, affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. Central offers a bachelor’s degree in 38 majors and pre-professional advising. For more information about Central, go to www.central.edu or call 877-462-3687.