Independent study is one option MFA1 students can select for their two required summers of experiential learning. During the summer of 2020, Elaine Gahagan, Alannah O’Neil, Judy Ordonez, Anushe Uzair, and Jamie Goldstein, students between their first and second years, turned their independent study into an exercise in social justice.

Working primarily virtually, they donated their time to Horizons for Homeless Children, an organization that provides schooling and support for homeless children and their families in Boston. Faculty member Pamela Durante taught the experiential learning section and supervised the group through a five-phase design process. The students spent weeks conducting studies with focus groups of staff members. They had weekly meetings with the project architect and with Kate Berrand, CEO of Horizons. “I was amazed by the talents, abilities, and professionalism that was shown throughout the project,” says Durante.

For a deeper dive into the project, check out this article published on the NYSID blog.