The Robinson Community Learning Center: Changing Lives One Relationship at a Time
An initiative of the University of Notre Dame, the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) provides educational programs that reach thousands of youth and adults in the South Bend community each year and has engaged hundreds of college student volunteers since its inception in 2001. It has recently moved into a new facility, right across the street from its original location in the Northeast Neighborhood.
The speakers will provide an overview of RCLC programs with a particular focus on the Robinson Shakespeare Company, which has been empowering local youth for more than a decade!
Speakers and Bios
Jennifer Knapp Beudert, Manager of Robinson Community Learning Center:
As Manager of the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC), Jennifer Knapp Beudert has responsibility for directing the operations of the RCLC in accordance with its goals of “hospitality, education, partnership, civic engagement, and sustainability.” This includes oversight of program development, supervision of staff and volunteers, general administration, facilities management, and fundraising. Jen is also responsible for managing the RCLC’s community and University educational partnerships, and coordinating the RCLC AmeriCorps program.
She arrived at N.D. from Oregon where she directed several child development programs at Linn-Benton Community College. A native New Yorker, Jen holds two master’s degrees from Bank Street College of Education in NYC, one in early childhood/elementary education and one in educational leadership. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Swarthmore College (PA).
Christy Burgess, Shakespeare Program Director:
As the Shakespeare Outreach Director, Christy leads the Robinson Shakespeare Company through three performances a year and participation in Shakespeare at Notre Dame's English Speaking Union Shakespeare Monologue Competition. Through the Robinson Shakespeare Outreach, Christy and her AmeriCorps team teach over 20 classes weekly in South Bend schools through in-class drama integration workshops and after-school programs.
Christy attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks and received her M.A. in Drama and Theatre Education from the University of Warwick. Before moving to South Bend, Christy worked at the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre as their Education Manager and had the pleasure of traveling to parts of rural Alaska where she led Shakespeare workshops with youths and Alaska Native Elders. In 2011, Christy was fortunate to be a North American Teaching Consultant for the Royal Shakespeare Company.