Program Description

PICA scholars deepen their knowledge and skills as active and responsive citizens through the integration of classroom studies in the liberal arts and experiential learning in local and global communities.

Program Requirements:

1. A core of 5 courses outside the major, including the PICA Gateway Course
2. The junior seminar, a two-credit, course designed to to further develop knowledge and skills in community action, and to foster student development as change agents
3. A 300 hour community internship, traditionally done in the summer between junior and senior year
4. The senior seminar, a two-credit, collaborative experience designed to share learning among the PICA scholars and with the wider community
5. A senior project that integrates research and course work addressing a particular community challenge; this may be presented as an individual or honors study or a capstone seminar
6. An up-to-date record of all PICA activities in the E-portfolio program
7. A 3.0 GPA beginning in the spring of the sophomore year and continuing until graduation

Upon graduation from Connecticut College, PICA scholars receive a certificate in recognition of their completion of the PICA program. They will have acquired knowledge and a greater understanding of both themselves and their roles as activists and policy makers in local and global communities.