The Child Development and Family Studies program prepares students to work with individuals and families in a variety of settings. In their classes, students examine human growth and development over the lifespan and family dynamics from a holistic perspective. This includes all aspects of development from conception through childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age as well as family focused coursework on parenting, intergenerational relationships, families and work, violence, and other challenges affecting families in a rapidly changing society. An important part of this program is the emphasis on experiential learning (EXL).  Students take several classes that allow them to engage in activities with a variety of populations. These field placements, internships and service learning courses provide students with opportunities to use the information they learn in classes to assist individuals and families in our communities. It is through one of these classes that the CDFS program and, hence MTSU, has become affiliated with Universities Fighting World Hunger, an initiative of the World Food Programme and the U.N.  This is an intergenerational, lifespan development program with an emphasis on hands-on learning and a commitment to addressing both global and local issues facing families today.