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Public Service Initiative

Address Real World Community Problems

Public Service Initiative

The CGCS conceptualizes, designs and executes events, programs, and projects designed to serve the community. The Public Service Initiative identifies specific real world problems with the goal of building a diverse coalition of students and community members that come together to create and implement solutions.

Explore our initiatives in greater detail to learn how you can gain experience and expertise while contributing to a tangible impact on our communities. Learn about specific issues, for example climate change or journalism, in order to work in small and large groups to craft a shared understanding and corresponding solutions to pressing issues.

Our Programs

Badges

ACC Technology & Civic Leadership Badge

TECHNOLOGY & CIVIC LEADERSHIP BADGE

Earn a Technology & Civic Leadership badge by attending three qualifying events and completing a short reflection in Suitable. Be sure to check in with the CGCS! We are working to create more badging opportunities.

Qualifying Event Badges

Attend any 3 events from the options below to earn the Technology & Civic Leadership Badge

Austin AI Alliance Austin on Technology & Society Austin LangChain AIMUG

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Contact us to explore partnership opportunities

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Central Texas Issue Series

Central Texas Issue Series

The Central Texas Issue Series (CTIS) projects provide a platform for dialogue, coalition building, active collaboration, problem-solving, and action on issues of importance to Central Texas. The initiative identifies real-world problems with the goal of building a diverse coalition of students and community members that come together to create and implement solutions.

Climate & Sustainability

Addresses environmental challenges facing Central Texas and promotes community resilience through sustainable practices.

  • Environmental policy dialogue and community engagement
  • Sustainable practices education and implementation
  • Building coalitions to address climate challenges
  • Student-led sustainability initiatives
Journalism & Media

Strengthens public media literacy and understanding of key issues while enhancing the role of a free press in democracy.

  • Media literacy education and workshops
  • Supporting local journalism initiatives
  • Understanding the role of press in democracy
  • Addressing misinformation and news literacy
Public Policy & Law

Promotes public policy innovation and legal literacy to empower community members with agency and understanding.

  • Legal literacy education for the public
  • Policy innovation workshops
  • Community engagement in local governance
  • Understanding rights and civic responsibilities

Looking Ahead

The CGCS continues to expand the Central Texas Issue Series to address emerging challenges and build coalitions across our community. We welcome new partnerships and student involvement.
Service Learning Courses

Service Learning Courses

The CGCS serves as an incubator and action arm in the development and implementation of Service Learning Classes. In cooperation with staff and academic departments across ACC and community partners, we conceptualize credit-yielding service learning courses designed to provide students with cross-functional professional skills applied against specific matters of concern to Central Texas and beyond.

Generative AI in Public Service

A course designed to build a generative AI application for a public institution, providing hands-on experience with emerging technology.

  • Partnership with ACC's Office of Experiential Learning
  • Collaboration with ACC's Business, Government & Technical Communications Program
  • Working with nonprofit "Public Service Desk"
  • Building real AI applications for public sector use
  • Learning practical AI implementation skills
Countering Human Trafficking

A course teaching open source intelligence (OSINT) collection and analysis in support of active law enforcement operations.

  • Partnership with ACC's Office of Experiential Learning
  • Collaboration with nonprofit "Skull Games"
  • Learning OSINT techniques and analysis
  • Supporting operations to liberate victims
  • Contributing to prosecution of suspected traffickers

Looking Ahead

The CGCS welcomes proposals and partners to launch new service learning courses that provide students with meaningful real-world experience while serving our communities.