Published Wednesday, December 13th, 2023
Almost 600 students have finished their Service-Learning projects for the fall semester.
Approximately 575 Wayne State College students enrolled in 26 classes across numerous disciplines have finished their Fall 2023 semester projects in Wayne State’s Service-Learning Program.
Students were enrolled in areas such as art, business, communications, education, family and consumer sciences, human service counseling, math, music, public and global health, theatre, and the TRIO Freshman Experience.
Lisa Nelson, director of Service-Learning at Wayne State, said this semester’s schedule of projects was a team effort.
“As always, a big thank you goes out to the faculty, students, and community partners who choose to participate in Service-Learning projects and events each semester,” said Nelson. “I love reading all the post-service surveys where students express their gratitude for the hands-on opportunity to apply their academic skills to meet a community need. They also communicate how pleased they are to work with community leaders, teachers, and children. This really helps them feel like part of the Wayne community.”
“I am happy to say that Service-Learning at Wayne State is a program that succeeds in fulfilling the college’s vision,” added Nelson.
The benefits of Service-Learning are numerous. They include engaging in career affirming experiences; research and conference opportunities; developing relationships with peers, community partners, and faculty; enhancing communication skills and an increased understanding of subject matter; and an increased sense of belonging.
Many Wayne State Service-Learning students served as instructors and mentors for the numerous projects they were involved in throughout the semester.
Paige Milliken, a senior majoring in elementary education at Wayne State, said Service-Learning projects have been vital for her as she transitions to student teaching in the spring semester. Milliken was involved in two Service-Learning projects in the fall semester.
“Service-Learning gives you the opportunity to apply the techniques and strategies you learn in class, and it’s great that you actually get to work with kids,” said Milliken, a native of Wayne. “The experience that Service-Learning provides is priceless.”
For five consecutive years, Wayne State was recognized as a member of the national President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. In 2014, Wayne State was one of only three higher education institutions in Nebraska to receive the Honor Roll with Distinction in the General Community Service category.
Wayne State’s Service-Learning Program began in 1999. Each year, hundreds of Wayne State students make a difference in the community by participating in Service-Learning projects, contributing nearly $250,000 to the region in community service.
Each spring semester, Service-Learning concludes with the Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award recognition dinner. The award provides a $500 gift, trophy, and graduation recognition to a graduating senior who, while in college, has served as an exemplary role model and contributed to the service ethos of the college campus and community at large.
Participation in service and leadership activities and at least one Service-Learning project, placement, or event, academic or co-curricular project, must be included.