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For each of the past three summers, five Grinnell students have taken part in the
"Alternative Summer" program, sponsored by Grinnell College, but based in Seattle, WA.
In this 8-week program, the five students live together communally, but each volunteer at different
human services agencies. Grinnell College gives each student a stipend of $2400, which
students must use to cover all of their own costs (travel, housing, food, etc.) for the
summer. Jim Diers '75 has served as an essential on-the-ground resource in Seattle to make this
program work.
In recognition of the success of the Alternative Summer program, Seattle Mayor Paul Schell
proclaimed July 15, 2000 to be "Grinnell College Day" in the city of Seattle.
The goal of this program is to provide students with a long-term, in-depth service
experience, towards the greater goals of creating an ethic of life-long service and
helping students discern their desires for post-graduation service. Additionally, we
hope to use the skills and abilities of our student body to benefit the citizens of Seattle.
This program also serves as an opportunity for students in the Social Commitment Preparatory Program to fulfill their requirement of a summer experience.
Alternative Summer is not an internship and participants will not receive academic
credit. Students may not simultaneously apply for both Alternative Summer
and a summer internship. Students who participate in Alternative Summer will give a
group presentation on campus in the fall after their summer project.
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