Service-Learning – Wayne State College Nebraska

Learning to serve and serving to learn

Each semester, hundreds of Wayne State College students participate in service-learning projects under the direction of WSC faculty, and some projects are led by student groups and organizations. Service-learning projects are designed to meet community needs and advance your learning. Surveys taken after service-learning projects are done show that participation in these projects makes a significant, positive impact on students. In fact, more than 94% of students reported that the service helped them better understand course material, and 92% said participation in the service activity helped affirm their career plans. Overall, more than 96% of students would encourage others to complete service-learning projects.

Benefits of participating in service-learning

Engage in career-affirming experiences
Participate in resarch and conference opportunities
Develop relationships with your peers, community partners, and faculty
Enhance your communication skills and understanding of a subject matter
Develop a sense of belonging and connectedness
Show what you know
Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award opportunity with $1,000 scholarship

The best part of Service-Learning classes is that I get so much more out of those classes that will stay with me much longer than a well-rehearsed lecture. Being involved in Service-Learning projects made me feel good about myself and good about helping my community. Being a good citizen is something that was ingrained in me as a child and something that I will continue into my adult life.

Taylor Ference

Loup City, Nebraska

Majors: Agribusiness, Management, Marketing

Taylor Ference

Loup City, Nebraska

Majors: Agribusiness, Management, Marketing

Service-learning projects

Some of our projects recur annually. These include the Star Party at Ike’s Lake in Wayne, which provides astronomy lessons to the community, and providing early childhood education assistance to the local Head Start preschool program. Other projects occur as needed, at the request area organizations.

Recent projects include:

Developing math lessons for young children
Establishing a clothing swap for students
Literacy assessments for elementary school children
Conducting free health screenings for the community
Designing a safe room for Haven House
Set design for the local community theatre
Digital imaging and photo restoration for the Wayne Historical Society
Mentoring and curriculum development for special education students

Recognition for Your Service

Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award

The Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award provides a $1,000 gift, trophy, and recognition at graduation to a Wayne State senior who has made service and leadership an integral component of his or her college experience. A variety of service and leadership activities are considered but must include at least one service-learning academic or co-curricular project, placement, or event.