Wayne State College’s Service Learning program wraps up the Fall semester

WAYNE – 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 postservice 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.