Academics
Experiential Learning
Praxis
Putting Gilmour’s mission into action
During junior year theology class, Gilmour students spend a semester exploring what it means to live our mission: to develop the competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more humane and just society. Through Praxis, students work collaboratively to investigate a social justice issue affecting the Greater Cleveland community, connect with local experts and organizations and put their learning into action.
The experience culminates in the Praxis Film Festival, where students share films documenting their work and reflect on what they learned through the process. Now in its 21st year, Praxis challenges students to see their community more deeply and recognize their own potential to make a difference.
SEE
Students identify and research a social justice issue, examining its causes, impact and connection to Catholic social teaching.
CONNECT
They interview community experts and learn firsthand from people and organizations addressing the issue in Greater Cleveland.
ACT
Students design and complete an action response that addresses the issue or one of its root causes.
REFLECT & SHARE
Groups create a film chronicling their experience and present it at the Praxis Film Festival.
Charley Wu '27
“My Praxis project on unequal access to clean drinking water showed me that environmental justice is not just something you read about. It affects real communities and requires real action. Interviewing Water Commissioner Mr. Margevicius and taking part in a watershed relocation service project helped me understand the importance of listening to experts, serving directly, and thinking more critically about how access to basic resources can differ between communities.”
