About Us
Our purpose is to promote and support learning and reciprocal connections among students, faculty, and community members through academic coursework integrated with community partnerships; and to encourage the development of socially and environmentally responsible citizens through Service Learning and Academic Internship courses.
Our staff is committed, both personally and professionally, to infusing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) into our work. We continue to build upon the efforts our Center has made through bi-annual strategic planning and reflection. Center for Community Based Learning 2021-2024 Strategic Plan
Meet our Staff
Emily Worm Director
emily.worm@humboldt.edu707.826.4967
Emily Worm is the Director of the Center for Community Based Learning at Cal Poly Humboldt, where she works with students, faculty, and community partners to create opportunities for students to apply classroom learnings to real world challenges. Previously she worked as the Communications and External Affairs Officer at Serve Colorado. In that role, she built innovative partnerships to expand AmeriCorps programs across Colorado, increasing workforce development opportunities for AmeriCorps members. Emily has over a decade of experience with nonprofits increasing food security, supporting AmeriCorps Seniors, and implementing experiential learning for rural youth. She is a proud AmeriCorps alumna, serving two terms with Trekkers in Midcoast Maine. Emily Worm holds Masters in Business Administration from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kelly Fortner Student Support Coordinator
kelly.fortner@humboldt.edu707.826.4964
As the Student Support Coordinator with the Center for Community Based Learning, I am, first and foremost, here to support, listen, and advocate for you, the Humboldt student. You are brilliant and inspirational and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to work with you in my role! Thank you for all that you do. Through my position, I provide direct and programmatic support for students involved in community-based learning practices at Humboldt. I strive to find and create opportunities where students can build community, discover their strengths and values, and pursue their personal, professional, and academic goals and dreams. I graduated from Humboldt with a double major in Religious Studies and Geology and these experiences, together with my time as a leader at Youth Educational Services (YES), fueled my passion for community-based learning and leadership. Since graduating from Humboldt, I have stayed on-campus to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA, work as a Career Advisor, and begin the Environment and Community M.A. in Social Science Program. These academic and professional experiences have strengthened my commitment to social and environmental justice and the liberation of all through solidarity, self-reflection, and action. When I’m not at Humboldt, you can find me spending time with my partner, my dog, going to the beach, talking with friends and family, traveling, and watching the Lord of the Rings.
Stacy Becker Community Partner Coordinator
stacy.becker@humboldt.edu707.826.4963
As Community Partner Coordinator, I network with community organizations and support faculty and students engaged in Service Learning and Academic Internship courses and practices. I am a California State Service Learning Certified Trainer. I also hold two teaching credentials from Humboldt (Elementary Multiple Subjects; Secondary Single Subject – Art), and a third Credential in Cross Cultural & Language Development. I completed my B.A. in the Humanities Field Major at U.C. Berkeley, which meant I was able to focus on the fields I’m passionate about: arts, cultures, languages, environmental issues. Previous to my work at Humboldt, I worked with the Volunteer Center of the Redwoods for 10 years, after many years teaching language and fine arts with an emphasis on environmental and cross-cultural education, to all ages and in many venues. In my spare time, I enjoy the arts, hiking and volunteering. As the coordinator for the Hammond Volunteer Trail Stewards project, I’d like to invite you to join our group on the first Saturday of each month for volunteer work on the Hammond Trail- newcomers always welcome!
Sara Jaye Hart College Corps Principal Investigator
sara.hart@humboldt.eduI am a Lecturer and Program Leader of the Religious Studies Department. I have worked with CCBL for years to develop service and service-learning opportunities for students and community members alike, and I am very excited about the College Corps program's dedication to fostering debt-free pathways to a college education, through community-building service projects.