Child and Adolescent Studies Student Association

Welcome to the CASSA website! This webpage is designed for those who are interested in finding out more about our student association. CASSA is the Child and Adolescent Studies Student Association for Child Development Majors and those students from other majors who are interested in working with children and/or adolescents.

CASSA is a community service based organization that serves children and families throughout Orange County. We provide our members opportunities to work hands-on in schools, hospitals, and nonprofits. Moreover, we also offer professional networking opportunities to help our members understand the career options available to them through CAS. Lastly, we create socials to
provide our members a chance to bond with their fellow peers and have a
break from school.

CASSA FACILITATES FOUR TYPES OF ACTIVITIES:

Community Service

CASSA organizes hands-on volunteer events that involve our members meeting the needs of children and families in our community. We help in throwing annual toy drives for the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), packing Joy Jars for the Jessie Rees Foundation, assisting with
School Readiness fairs, and interacting with children in hospitals, schools, and nonprofits throughout our community.

Professional Development

CASSA organizes monthly general meetings, guest speakers, and special workshops. CASSA recruits professionals to visit our campus with information about career alternatives, employment opportunities, and internships that are available to Child and Adolescent Development majors or those wishing to work with children and/or adolescents. CASSA also helps students get informed about campus programs/activities that promote professional skills, such as leadership.

Social Events

CASSA plans regular social activities to facilitate interaction among students and faculty. Our social events are designed for students to get to know others interested in similar career fields working with children and adolescents, and to build a network of potential contacts. Some social events that we’ve had in the past are karaoke nights, beach bonfires, visiting pumpkin patches, attending sporting events, and more!

Art for the Soul: Mindfulness Events

CASSA also offers regular mindfulness sessions throughout the semester during general meetings where members can learn and practice strategies or breathing techniques to help destress, reduce anxiety, and improve attention. We explore mindfulness through different mediums such as art, meditation, and more with the guidance of our Activities Manager and local professionals.