Spring 2026 PPS Courses
Community Data & Research
PPS 1100-02, 1 hour, Mondays, 5:30 PM-6:20 PM
Instructor: Jeremy Rhodes, Senior Director of Data and Research, Prosper Waco
Engaging and partnering with community members and entities in research, sometimes in the form of research practice partnership, can be a powerful mechanism for ensuring research and data is appropriately situated within the context and utilized for social change. Students will learn how to apply research methods and data analysis to local organizations focused on social impact. Partnering with Prosper Waco, students will implement a community-engaged research project.
Child Poverty Policy & Action: From Science to Solutions
PPS 1100-3, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 9:05-9:55 AM
Instructor: Robin McDurham, Chief Executive Officer, Transformation Waco
Explore how poverty reshapes children’s brains, communities, and futures in this immersive course blending neuroscience, policy analysis, and advocacy. Examine programs such as the Child Tax Credit through poverty simulations and legislative role-play, and discover how data mapping, storytelling, and trauma-informed strategies translate research into meaningful action. The course features a service-learning project with four to five hours off-campus and a 5-hour advocacy project, such as creating a podcast, that can be completed on campus. Ideal for aspiring educators, policymakers, and health professionals. No prerequisites are required—only a passion for justice and ending child poverty.
Habitat for Humanity & Affordable Housing
PPS 1100-04, 1 hour, Thursdays, 2:00-2:50 PM
Instructor: John Alexander, Executive Director, Waco Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity & Affordable Housing is designed to introduce students to ideas and methods of community service in the specific area of residential housing/construction. Conceptual differences between public and private sector housing initiatives are discussed with emphasis on the historical development of Habitat for Humanity as an ecumenical Christian, non-governmental organization (NGO). The philosophy behind this organization and details of its history are discussed in depth. Students participate in Habitat projects and learn first-hand the importance of community service, contributing 20 total hours of work time during the semester.
Non-Profit Sports Ministry
PPS 1100-5, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 8:00-8:50 AM
Instructor: Jennifer Martinsen, Molly Martinsen Foundation
This course will give you a first-hand look into the grass-roots efforts of building a sports ministry from the ground up. Learn from, develop, and help grow a non-profit sports ministry for youth (volleyball and/or basketball). Volley for Molly was founded in 2013 as a way to honor Molly’s life, her love of Jesus, and her passion for volleyball. Molly Grace Martinsen passed away from brain cancer in 2012, when she was only 11 years old. This annual tournament is the foundation’s only fundraiser, and all the money raised is donated to families, individuals, grief nonprofits, Christian ministries, and brain cancer research.
Poverty in Waco
PPS 1100-06,1 hour, Wednesdays, 12:20-1:10 PM
Instructor: Josh Caballero, Community Engagement Officer, City of Waco
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty in Waco and determine ways students can become more civically engaged. Students will learn from a variety of experts and Waco specific studies about the impact of poverty and its intersection with the sectors of employment, education, health, and community development. Students will also get a firsthand glimpse into the challenges facing those experiencing poverty in Waco through 20 hours of volunteer service over the course of the semester.
Law & Public Service
PPS 1100-10, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 2:30-3:20 PM & PPS 1100-11, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 3:35-4:25 PM
Instructor: Kent McKeever, Founder of Greater Waco Legal Services
In addition to one weekly classroom hour devoted to the public service aspect of the legal profession, students will engage the local legal community and various manifestations of law and public service outside the classroom. Whether students are considering a career in law or not, all those interested in how the legal profession partners with those working in other public service roles and intersects with other vital social systems and professional endeavors will find this course engaging, edifying, and equipping. Students will hone and develop thinking, collaboration, and advocacy skills through their work inside and outside the classroom.
Accompanying Spanish-Speaking People in Waco
PPS 1100-12, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:20 PM
Instructor: Israel Loachamin, Executive Director, La Puerta Waco
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the journey of a Spanish-speaking person in Waco to develop an awareness of the unique and rich community that the U.S. has. Students will explore the journey of a Spanish-speaking person through reading, journaling, volunteering with La Puerta, and class discussions.
Transforming Child Poverty
PPS 1100-14, 1 hour, Mondays, 9:05-9:55 AM
Instructor: Sarah Pedrotti, Communities in Schools in the Heart of Texas
Working with Communities in Schools, this course explores the consequences of child poverty in Waco and attends to the role cross-sector collaboration, community schools, and wrap-around services play in mitigating disadvantage.
Money, Power, and Impact: The Ethics of Social Welfare Funding
PPS 1100-16, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 11:00-11:50 AM & PPS 1100-17, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 12:30-1:20 PM
Instructor: Emily Morrow Loachamin, La Puerta Waco
How do social services get funded, and who controls the money? This course explores the history, policies, and ethics of social welfare funding. Students will work with a local agency to track funding sources and analyze real-world challenges in nonprofit finance, ethics, and impact-driven decision-making, and reflection.
Community Gardening (EHUM)
PPS 1100-20, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 2:30-3:20 PM & PPS 1100-21, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 3:35-4:25 PM
Instructor: Grant Hall, Market Garden Manager, World Hunger Relief Waco
In this course students learn the value of community gardens in schools and urban areas. Through volunteerism, students will learn how community gardens provide fresh produce as well as neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment.
Wellness in Waco (EHUM)
PPS 1100-22, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 10:10-11:00 AM
Instructor: April Strickland, Better Living for Texans-McLennan County
Through class discussions we will explore how collaboration with area nonprofits focused on food access, health, environmental sustainability and other wellness initiatives has planted seeds of hope. This section will explore how meaningful partnerships with local nonprofits can spark real, lasting change in our community. Students will gain firsthand insight into what community engagement looks like in action across non-profit sectors including schools, churches, grassroots organizations etc. This course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead ethically and effectively within their communities. Join us as we examine how small acts of service can grow into sustainable impact for the common good.
Advocacy - Children & Families
PPS 1100-24, 1 hour, Fridays, 12:20-1:10 PM
Instructor: Kerry Burkley, Program Director, Children’s Advocacy Center
Students in this course discuss the specific impact of how trauma affects individuals and how a ministry of hope increases the likelihood of generating a “new normal” in which a family can survive and thrive.
Trauma Advocacy
PPS 1100-25, 1 hour, Fridays, 1:25-2:15 PM
Instructor: Kerry Burkley, Program Director, Children’s Advocacy Center
This course engages students in becoming informed leaders and community responders, and in becoming advocates for the protection of those affected by child abuse.
Community Tax Prep
PPS 1100-26, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 5:00-5:50 PM - Instructor Permission Required
Instructor: Jason MacGregor, Baylor Hankamer School of Business
This course gives students the opportunity to make a real impact while developing valuable professional skills. Students receive comprehensive training using IRS-approved materials and earn official IRS certification before assisting clients. During tax season, students provide free, high-quality tax preparation services to low-to-moderate income individuals and families. This hands-on experience builds technical expertise, communication skills, and confidence in applying practical knowledge to real-world challenges. By serving as trusted tax preparers, students not only strengthen their resumes but also contribute meaningfully to financial well-being in the Waco area.
Community Law Enforcement
PPS 1102, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 10:10-11:00 AM
Instructor: Robert Lanning, Waco Police Department
This course provides students an opportunity to interact with and listen to federal, state, county, and municipal government officials and understand how they function. The students are exposed to 12-14 guest lectures from all areas mentioned. The focus is on management and law enforcement and class discussions are held on hot topics such as racial profiling, use of force, etc. The course involves guest speakers such as federal agents, district attorney representatives, state police, municipal police, county police, S.W.A.T. teams and crime scene experts.
Community-Based Global Learning
PPS 2101 (2 sections), 1 hour, Wednesdays, 8:00-8:50 AM; Instructor Permission Required
Instructors: Anna Beaudry & Jennifer Good, Baylor Office of Engaged Learning
Explore concepts of power and privilege relating to global citizenship, service, and community-driven efforts. Students will be assigned leadership roles related to Engaged Learning courses at Baylor and will experience ethical, critical, and decolonial community-based learning and research practices.
Leadership and Social Change
PPS 2301, 3 hours, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30-10:45 AM
Instructor: Leia Duncan, Baylor & Beyond LLC
This course illuminates the theory and practice of leading groups toward positive social change locally and globally, emphasizing issues such as poverty, public education, and systemic inequality. All students will learn from community engagement projects and activities on best practices for leading change. The primary goal for this course is for each student to think about their role as a contributing global citizen.
Law, Justice and the Community
PPS 3372, 3 hours, Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:40-5:30 PM; Instructor Permission Required
Cross listed as PSC 3372
Instructor: Christopher Galeczka, Baylor Law School
Introduction to legal practice. Contains community service component and required internship in legal offices.
Future Church Lab
PPS 3v9r, variable independent research course, Wednesdays, 12:20-1:10 PM plus independent research time; Instructor Permission Required
Cross listed as PSC 3372
Instructor: Dustin Benac, Baylor Office of Engaged Learning
Independent research with the Program for the Future Church.
Philanthropy and the Public Good
PPS 4310, 3 hours, Wednesdays, 12:20-3:05pm
Cross listed with SOC 4312
Instructors: Andy Hogue & Mark Richards, Baylor Office of Engaged Learning
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the role of philanthropy in shaping public life and investigate charity’s relationship to power in contemporary social institutions. Students will apply disciplinary knowledge towards stewarding 100,000 dollars to the Waco community in partnership with local social sector organizations.