F ifteen World Languages & Cultures students practiced their Spanish-speaking skills recently while also promoting Georgia College & State University to 10th graders at Brentwood School in Sandersville.

The project was funded by the university’s Community-based Engaged Learning (CbEL) program. CbEL encourages faculty to involve students in hands-on, active learning and community service.

World Languages & Cultures lecturer Dr. Lee Kirven and associate professor Dr. Aurora Castillo-Scott designed the project.

“Promoting GCSU College Life to the K-12 Community” allowed students to practice their Spanish skills in a practical, real-world setting. At the same time, they promoted the university to prospective students.

“As students,” Castillo-Scott said “they are our best ambassadors and can relate well with high school students. The event was a success, because our students did a great job connecting with Brentwood students.”

Prior to the trip, students created posters and planned presentations as part of their Spanish course, “Structure and Composition.”

At Brentwood, they worked in groups with 13 high school students. Presentations were entirely in Spanish and showcased different aspects of student life—academic programming, housing, the dining hall, clubs and organizations, sports, the two campuses and transportation.

After the presentations, students worked with high schoolers to complete more activities in Spanish.

The event provided 10th graders an opportunity to converse with new people outside their classrooms.

“Thanks to this event, my students were able to put into practice what they have learned during the year,” said Brentwood Spanish teacher Esther Quesada. “It’s one thing to study in the classroom and another to converse in a real-world context in Spanish.”

Rising sophomore and Spanish major Morgan Gosdin of Canton was happy to present life at Georgia College in a fun and positive light. She also thought the project was a great opportunity to encourage teens to major in Spanish during college.

Rising junior Alejandro Del Rello of Atlanta agreed. As someone who’s double majoring in business management and Spanish, he underscored the importance of teaching youth different languages.

“My favorite part was being able to interact with these students in a different language and guide them to a future in Spanish,” Del Rello said. “At the same time, we’re trying to get them to come to GCSU for college.”

Kirven and Castillo-Scott's students also shared their poster presentations with Spanish classes on campus and at Georgia College’s Early College. The faculty team plans to continue and expand this project in the fall.