Faculty: Attila Schillinger

Project: Climate Outreach – Pump Up Salem

Students created a public engagement communications campaign for the City of Salem, with a focus on installing heat pumps as a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

"Throughout this class, I’ve gained valuable insight about being a professional in the public relations industry, from working with teams to creating sustainable campaigns and working with a government organization. I feel more prepared than ever to enter the industry, and I am glad I’m getting real-world experiences to guide me." Thank you to Ella Norton, a senior public relations major, for the writing an article about how the class offered preparation for a future job in PR. Read more about her team's experience here.

Faculty: Alex Li

Project: Electric Vehicle Charging

Students focused on how Salem might incentivize electric vehicles; how to equitably locate EV charging stations, and how EVs are addressed in selected large city climate action plans. At the end of the term, students presented their research and recommendations in a poster session for city staff and volunteers to engage with students and think through implementation of the proposed ideas.

After the poster session, one student commented about their experience presenting to city staff, “Getting to talk to people in the career field was an eye opener for me and helped me learn what I would actually be doing if going down this career path.” 

Faculty: Andrew DeVigal

Project: Co-Creating Knowledge in Local News and Civic Engagement

The class collaborated with Salem city staff, schools, community-based organizations, and local media to co-design a survey and present high-level results to the community. Based on the premise that a well-informed public is essential for a functioning democracy, the project aspires to continue being a conduit for community-driven solutions and democratic participation. 

Watch the Capital Media “Sit Down” interview to learn more about the project. A student in the course shared their experience with the SCYP project, "This course was unlike anything I’ve taken at the UO, and I believe it’s in part because there is so much hands-on learning and experience. We immerse ourselves in the community and assist them the best we can. This is an accomplishment for any engaged journalist our age." 

Faculty: Andrew Russo        

Project: City Facilities Solar

The course evaluated the feasibility of installing solar panels within Geer Park. Students offered insights and recommendations with a focus on policy considerations, neighborhood inclusion and trust building, cost analysis, and a comparative study with similar projects across the United States. Students may be able to see the impact of their work when the new skate facility opens in Geer Park in fall 2025.

A class participant described the experience in presenting their ideas to city staff, “I think these programs are priceless for everyone involved. The experience the students get and the fresh and rough ideas that professionals get are something that can't be overlooked when apprising this program.” 

Faculty: Nick Kohler

Project: Walkability and/or Corridor Assessments, Phase 2

Building off work from fall term, students used GIS mapping to provide Salem staff a deeper level of analysis on sidewalk or pedestrian gaps. Students pinpointed issues regarding sidewalk safety and connectivity, green space, lighting, and public transit to encourage active transportation. Recommendations highlighted the intricate relationship between urban design, community well-being, and fair access to resources, offering valuable insights to build a more inclusive and sustainable community. City staff found value in students' recommendations and reported that increasing solar-powered street lighting is already in the works!

Faculty: Ellee Stapleton

Project: Park Service Area Delineation Recommendations 

The course focused on how to equitably prioritize parks and recreation funding based on equity needs across the city. Students developed approaches for delineating focus areas and examined precedent studies from other regions, considering factors like demographic trends and historical development patters. Students emphasized the need for demographic data overlay, transportation analysis, park classification, amenities evaluation, and community engagement. Ultimately, student recommendations will support the goal of incorporating equity considerations into the development of future parkland.

As a student in the class shared, “I loved that I felt my work wouldn't just be graded and stuck in a file on my computer; instead, it had the chance to make a real difference. It made me push myself harder to create something valuable to the professionals.”