Introduction

Abstract

Creativity. Community. Inspiration. Excitement. These words and more describe the energy emerging from a table in a local coffee shop on a day in May 2013 when Judy Freedman Fask and Lisa Kramer met for the first time to discuss the possibilities of creating a Community-Based Learning (CBL ) project in one of Lisa’s classes at Worcester State University (WSU) the following fall. Lisa, as adjunct faculty, was scheduled to teach Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA )—a course she has taught in different formats for many schools. Judy, in a new position as Transition Rehabilitation Specialist for the Worcester Public Schools (WPS), came with a history and passion for incorporating CBL pedagogy into student learning. She wanted to continue her previous work by finding ways to inspire and encourage students to connect with people in the community. Now was a perfect opportunity to connect young adults in transition (with whom she worked) with same-aged peers who were studying at local colleges and universities; Judy sought faculty collaborators who would share her vision.