By: Richard Crist—
Muncie, IN—The Youth Opportunity Center of Muncie was selected to receive Ball State University’s 2018 Outstanding Community Partner Award at the recent Immersive Learning Faculty Awards program on Thursday, January 25, 2018. The program was held at Ball State University’s John R. Emens Auditorium.
Ball State’s Office of Community Engagement accepted nominations from Ball State faculty and staff for the 2018 Local Community Partner Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize a Muncie/Delaware County business, organization, or agency that has demonstrated excellence in their contributions as a community partner with Ball State University.
Nominees must have partnered with Ball State faculty, staff, and/or students between August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017, as part of one of the following community-based learning experiences; Service or immersive learning, Community-based research or Internship and/or practicum.
Over the past year, the YOC welcomed Ball State faculty and immersive learning students to better understand what educational experiences best prepare YOC residents for academic and life success after they are discharged.
YOC staff worked together with Ball State faculty to develop immersive learning and research plans; train Ball State students in rapport-building, confidentiality, and safety; implement reading interventions; and help run the day-to-day aspects of the project.
This collaboration led to many successes including meaningful gains in reading skills for YOC residents, rich skill development for Ball State students, co-presentations at several national conferences, and inspiration for continued research collaboration.
About The YOC
The Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) is a nationally accredited, not-for-profit, juvenile behavioral treatment center serving children and youth from throughout Indiana. Celebrating 25 years of serving kids, the YOC, in partnership with area agencies, offers a complementary range of services on its 75-acre campus including residential and outpatient counseling, on-grounds accredited school, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), juvenile court, day treatment program, and juvenile detention. The YOC is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
