Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The Illumination Project is an exciting student leadership program based on the PCC Sylvania Campus. The program is designed to address issues of social justice including racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, and classism utilizing interactive theater. Student Educators enter the program at the beginning of fall term and continue through the end of spring term.

The Illumination Project has a dual purpose. First, the project provides participating students with an opportunity to learn about social justice issues and interactive theater, and to develop skills as educators, actors, activists, and leaders. Student Educators then teach other students, staff, and faculty audiences how to confront stereotypes, negotiate conflict, and promote racial, gender, and economic equity.

The Illumination Project training is highly interactive and we will base our work on the life experiences of the students involved. Students in the program gain skills in writing, acting, facilitating, event coordination, activism, education, public relations, and community organizing. Students also build a close community of friends and colleagues.

Student Educators receive a total of 12 tuition-free credits – four free sociology credits each term (214 A, B, and C). These credits are college transferable and meet general education and cultural literacy requirements.

Non-resident students receive a prorated discount on the credits rather than tuition free credits. PCC will cover the tuition cost that a resident student would pay. So if you are a non-resident student and usually would pay about $1,112 (plus fees) for a four credit class you would pay about $600 for the Illumination Project (non-resident tuition at about  $1,112 minus resident tuition at about $532.)

Class time is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am-12:50pm on the Sylvania Campus. There will also be a mandatory retreat on the first weekend of winter term on the Sylvania Campus. The retreat schedule is as follows:

• Friday: 2-6pm
• Saturday: 9am-8:30pm

Ten to twelve hours per week which includes class time, homework, committee work, rehearsals, and theater performances around Sylvania, other PCC campuses, and community organizations. Class continues to meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am-12:50pm with additional class time on Fridays from 10am-12:50pm.