GV Sociology Club tests classroom theories

By matching Grand Valley students with K-5 students, Jennifer Stewart has given life to theories and perhaps established long-lasting bonds.

The assistant sociology professor and colleague George Lundskow have revamped Grand Valley's Sociology Club. The club's 10 student members volunteer time weekly at Robinson Elementary School, 11801 120th Avenue in Grand Haven, where they tutor students, help in classrooms, or serve as playground assistants.

'West Michigan now has the fastest growing Hispanic population in the U.S.,' she said.

Stewart said Robinson has many students who are children of migrant workers. She contacted Principal Jeff Marcus in the fall to explore a partnership and students began volunteering at Robinson in January. She said some students are sociology majors, but it's not a club requirement, nor is being an education major.

'You don't have to be a teacher to be interested or care about education,' Stewart said.

Robinson is a dynamic school, Stewart said. Many students are in and out throughout the year. She said observing lives of migrant families presents a good example for Grand Valley students.

Many of the elementary students would be first in their families to attend college, a notion not lost on Stewart, Lundskow, and club members.

'We hope we're making it seem like college is something that they can consider after high school,' Stewart said. 'And they know that Grand Valley is just down the road from them.'