Leap out! Work on a community project
At UTS Shopfront you can work with community groups on their projects as part of your course work. No matter what faculty or course you're enrolled in, there's likely to be a project you can work on with us and get credit for.
A Shopfront project means practical experience in your area of study, working with the community, adding value to your CV and portfolio, developing contacts and (importantly) having fun.
More than 400 community projects have been completed by UTS students since 1996.
Find out more about completed projects.
Why should I do it?
UTS Shopfront offers you the opportunity to work on a real project with a real client with outcomes for your CV and to further your professional skills through independent, self-directed learning... and to use these skills to benefit the community
Most students who have worked on a UTS Shopfront community project say the experience is unlike anything they have done at university and both professionally and personally rewarding.
Read what other students have said.
Am I eligible?
Community projects are undertaken during semester by final year or postgraduate students who are enrolled in a placement or internship subject in their course. If you are not sure, please call and ask us.
What if I would like to do a project but can't find an appropriate subject to enrol in?
Consider enrolling in our cross-faculty Community Research Elective subject.
What projects could I work on?
There are new projects listed by UTS Shopfront every semester. All have been initiated by community organisations based on real community needs.
Have a look at the available projects - which include a 'sign-up' function - or add an RSS feed to be informed of new projects coming up... but remember, Shopfront community projects are allocated on a 'first-in, first-gets' basis, so if there's something there that takes your fancy, grab the opportunity to register your interest right away.
Who supervises my project?
Your academic supervisor oversees the project and provides assessment of your work. (You will need to have your supervisor's approval before you can start on a project).
How do I work with my community client?
The community client nominates a liaison person to work on the project with you. They will also provide support like work space (if required) and cover any project costs like photocopying, transport fares, telephone bills etc. Community clients will also acknowledge your work and contribution when the project is complete.
What support does Shopfront provide?
The staff at Shopfront will provide ongoing support and expert advice for your project throughout the semester. At your request (and if you feel it is needed) Shopfront can also provide specialist training in community project management, cultural sensitivity and ethics.
We will also assist you to access University and industry expertise to support your project as well as providing meeting rooms and organising project equipment such as transcribers, recorders and videos.
What is expected of me?
There are a few formalities we expect you to commit to as part of your involvement with a UTS Shopfront community project, these are:
- Attend meetings with community organisation and present your final outcomes to them
- Produce a project plan - including timelines, deadlines and client meeting schedules - and have the community client sign-off on the plan before hand-in to your academic supervisor
- Identify any additional training needs associated with your project and inform Shopfront
- Undertake the project as defined in your project plan.
- Advise Shopfront immediately should any difficulties with the project be encountered
- Provide the community organisation and UTS Shopfront with both a hard copy and a digital copy of project outcome(s) (final report, designs, plans etc)
- Complete evaluations at the end of the project
- Keep track of any project costs or expenses for reimbursement.
These are part of our Roles and Responsibilities for all project stakeholders (including community organisations, academics and Shopfront).
How do I keep informed about community projects?
New projects are listed on our website each semester.
Look at current available projects, add an RSS feed, or sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter.