Approximately 520 Wayne State College students enrolled in 14 projects and events across numerous disciplines have finished their Fall 2024 semester projects in Wayne State’s Service-Learning Program.
This translates to 4,635 hours of service with 24 community partners. 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.
Additionally, Wayne State’s student chapter of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) continued the fall tradition with “Cram the Van,” a long-standing food collection project held during National Hunger and Homelessness Week. The AAFCS group collected 400 pounds of food and $72 this semester.
In the Fall 2024 semester, students were enrolled in areas ranging from art to social sciences education.
Lisa Nelson, director Wayne State’s Service-Learning Program, 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 the Service-Learning Program at Wayne State 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.
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.
Each spring semester, the Service-Learning Program 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.
The 2024-25 academic year marks the 25th anniversary of Wayne State’s Service-Learning Program, which began in 1999.
For more information about Wayne State’s Service-Learning Program, contact Lisa Nelson at linelso1@wsc.edu or 402-375-7182.
