Participant Commitments

Fall:

• Enroll in Sociology 469: Community Bridges Training (2 credit hours)
• Participate in program events and research workshops and complete required coursework
• Attend mandatory program events
• Complete 16 hours of volunteer service in our partner neighborhoods
• Get to know the Houston community and other fellows in the cohort
• Please note that students cannot be enrolled in more than 16 hours in the fall semester before adding SOCI 469 to their schedules

Spring:

• Enroll in Sociology 470: Inequality and Urban Life (3 credit hours)
• Participate in two, 1.5-hour, weekly seminars and complete required coursework
• Spend 5-7 hours per week on-site at assigned community partner
• Develop and implement a research-driven and sustainable final project
• Present your final project at our annual Community Bridges Spring Celebration
• Please note that because of the time commitment of this fellowship, students cannot be enrolled in more than 14 hours in the spring semester before adding SOCI 470.

Summer (optional):

• Apply to participate in the summer fellowship program (stipends are provided)
• Work full-time (40 hours/week) for 8 weeks at community partner organization
• Develop and implement a sustainable final project that will benefit partner organization
• Present final project to peers and community in late August

We also encourage Community Bridges alumni to provide support for incoming Fellows by acting as a resource for advice and project-specific questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a sociology major or a PJHC minor to apply?

Students from all majors and minors are encouraged to apply. You DO NOT need to be a sociology major or a PJHC minor to apply. However, the academic courses do satisfy elective course credits for a PJHC minor.

Can I apply to Community Bridges if I am a freshman?

Yes, because you will be a sophomore when fellowship activities begin, all freshmen are welcome to apply.

If I have already been a Community Bridges fellow, can I apply again?

No. If you have already participated in the Community Bridges program, you are not eligible to reapply. However, you are welcome to continue service with your community partner organization.

I am eager to begin serving in the Houston community. Is it possible to start my fieldwork in the fall semester?

Unfortunately, Community Bridges fellows currently have to wait until the spring semester to begin their fieldwork at the partner organization. However, there will be opportunities in the fall for you to get acquainted with your partner organization and attend events they may host in the fall. Many of our partner agencies welcome volunteers in the fall semester.

How will applicants be chosen?

Applicants will be chosen based on their academic and experiential background in community service work, application, and interview performance.

Why are Community Bridges Fellows required to limit their enrollment hours to 14 before adding the SOCI 470 course?

The fieldwork required for the Community Bridges program is time-intensive. We want to ensure that Community Bridges Fellows are able to commit 5-7 hours of on-site work per week. Simply put, if students take more than 17 credit hours, it becomes increasingly likely that they will not be able to fulfill the time and energy commitments expected of a Community Bridges Fellow.

How many credits will I get for Community Bridges?

In the fall, Fellows will be required to enroll in Sociology 469: Community Bridges Training, which is worth 2 credit hours. Fellows will then enroll in Sociology 470: Urban Inequality, in the spring, which is worth 3 credit hours. Therefore, in total, the Community Bridges program offers the opportunity to earn 5 hours of upper-level credit.

Is Sociology 470 still a capstone course for the PJHC minor?

No, Sociology 470 is not a capstone course for the PJHC minor. However, Sociology 470 and Sociology 469 are elective course options for the PJHC minor.

Do I need a car to participate in Community Bridges?

No, you do not need a car to participate in Community Bridges. We will set up carpools with other fellows, and fellows will receive a stipend for program-related transportation.

What if I want to extend my service past the spring semester?

In past years, several Fellows elected to continue their service into the summer, and a few even continued volunteering with their partner organization in the following academic year. However, while the extension of Fellows' work at the partner organization is a possibility, it is by no means a requirement or guarantee.