Economics
What role does economics have in community and economic development?
"An Applied Economics major has taught me to approach community needs with an analytical mindset using data to understand the root causes and inform decision making. Quantitative analysis is important to determine the impact of community development, evaluate programs and drive organizational focus."
How does the Stevenson Center cohort impact your graduate experience?
"My experience with the Stevenson Center cohort has been the highlight of my time at ISU. Everyone in the cohort has similar interests and passions, yet diversity in backgrounds and experience. This brings an incredible richness to the learning experience and ensures stimulating class discussions. The cohort is incredibly supportive, not only as fellow students but also as close friends. It's an incredible privilege to be a part of this group."
Student:
Mel Johnston
Hometown:
Melbourne, Australia
Undergraduate Degree:
Economics and Indonesian
Deakin University (2012)
Stevenson Center Program:
Applied Community and Economic Development Fellow
How does the Stevenson Center’s program shape your graduate experience?
"The Stevenson Center fellowship has expanded my knowledge and experience by teaching theoretical underpinnings of community development together with practical methods to engage with communities and mobilize change. These two components have allowed new breadth and depth in my knowledge of the dynamic nature of community and economic development.
The professional practice and graduate assistantship aspects of the program allow for fantastic application of community development theory in a real world context. This focus on professional experience and development means students graduate with marketable skills for smooth transition into the workforce.
The community development projects are a great opportunity to use our knowledge of community development theory to contribute the Bloomington-Normal community. Currently we are researching the viability of a social enterprise in McLean County serving previously incarcerated women to gain employment and valuable skills, in addition to research for the establishment of a microfinance student organization at ISU. These projects will lay the foundations for long term, sustainable initiatives to strengthen the community."
Graduate Assistantship
Mel's graduate assistantship is an AmeriCorps position at United Way of McLean County contributing to their collective impact initiative. Collective impact brings diverse stakeholders together to improve educational outcomes which leads to a stronger, more productive community. Mel spends her time collecting data on educational indicators and best practices to help inform committee members in determining the focus of the collective impact initiative.
Former Service Experience
Mel dedicated a year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA to Youth Conservation Corps in Waukegan, IL. VISTA exposed her to nonprofit management, fundraising and social service delivery within the context of an economically depressed community. The clients she served experienced countless barriers to education and employment yet showed incredible grit in their pursuit of knowledge and a better life for themselves and their families. These youth continue to be Mel's motivation in her work in community development and studies at the Stevenson Center.
