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Civic Impact Coalition reports first year of events, internships and student engagement with Lane County
Summary
The student group Civic Impact Coalition (CIC) described its inaugural year of field trips, panels and campus events, credited the county partnership for internship placements and sought continued collaboration on events, volunteer opportunities and select research projects.
Students leading the Civic Impact Coalition (CIC) at the University of Oregon reported to the Lane County Board of Commissioners on June 11 about the club’s first year of activities, internships and community engagement, and requested continued partnership to scale events and student placements.
CIC leaders Sienna Fitzpatrick, Nina Palaszuk and Holden (last name not provided) told the board the club held multiple field trips (including to Lane Transit District operations), a housing panel with local officials, a legislative “crash course,” and neighborhood planning visits. The club recorded 107 student engagements this year and said two students involved with CIC had obtained internships with Lane County staff.
Why it matters: CIC leaders said the club aims to equip students across disciplines with civic participation skills and professional connections. “Building the skills, becoming comfortable showing up in front of a bunch of county commissioners and talking about whatever it is that we care about — these are the skills we’re hoping students build,” Sienna said. The group recommended focusing next year on events, internships, volunteer opportunities and targeted project work in winter or spring terms when students can commit to multi‑term projects.
CIC noted challenges in sustaining project delivery and navigating campus bureaucracy, but said events and field trips produced high student interest and tangible professional outcomes. Board members praised the partnership and several commissioners encouraged continued collaboration; the club requested help connecting students to internships, guest speakers and service opportunities.
No county action was adopted. County staff present thanked the students and noted the policy lab partnership has produced repeated benefits for county workforce and recruitment.
