The Sustainable Community Development focus award (16-22 credits) provides students with the knowledge, skills and experiences that will allow them to play a vital role in developing and strengthening their communities in the twenty-first century. Diversity and sustainability are issues that present great challenges as well as incredible opportunities to create strong, thriving communities that meet the needs of their members and the environment.

Community development includes nurturing the integration of diverse groups to work together for common interests and the expansion of sustainable practices. Community development is studied holistically, including learning communication skills, how to effectively utilize the diversity inherent in American communities, and how people can live sustainably.

Completing the Sustainable Community Development focus award is an excellent addition to a resume. Knowledge of sustainability and diversity issues may be skills employers consider. Students should be aware that prerequisites exist for most courses, so they should plan accordingly.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Sustainability Focus Award are:

Community Engagement: Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively within a group setting. Demonstrate knowledge of community issues, needs, strengths, problems and resources.

Diversity: Analyze the relationship between diversity and social inequality and demonstrate knowledge of ways diverse groups can work together.

Sustainability: Apply the concept of sustainability in examining human relationships with the environment and identify sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

At least six of the credits of the Focus Award must be completed at RCC.