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September 28, 2004
Service learning engages students
Zahid Arab
Mesa Legend
The term civic engagement can be best described as the active participation in the public life of a community in an informed, committed, and constructive manner, with a focus on the public good. Civic engagement and higher education have complimented each other dating back to the origins of college systems.
Through the Service-Learning program, MCC students are exposed to a wide array of opportunities to become engaged in their communities.
One of the major programs offered by the Center for Service Learning is the national service program, AmeriCorps, which focuses on strengthening the communities of our nation.
Through this program, MCC students are able to serve under one of three focus areas, which include: Education,Community Strengthening and Homeland Security. AmeriCorps coordinator Christina Hernandez, who has coordinated approximately 371 members, believes that this experience can be utilized in different ways. “When you give back to the community, there is always something that you get in return, whether personal rewards, recognition or academic advancement.” By committing to a term of service with AmeriCorps, students are not only awarded an education stipend to pursue their educational goals, they also receive valuable life skills, as well.
Former AmeriCorps member Kelley Stewart agrees.
“Volunteering time to my community has been part of my life for the past 20 years. I always enjoyed the effort of service and the results of the effort, but I did not realize that there was something more to gain other than personal satisfaction for doing the right thing.” She goes on to say, “Through service-learning, I learned that personal reflection goes deeper than the logistics of the project; it is an intense process that helps a person discover their intrinsic gifts.”
Stewart, who completed her term of service with the Mesa Fire Department, states that civic engagement transcends ordinary citizens into community advocates who voice their opinions concerning issues which will affect the generations to come.
Culinary Arts major and current AmeriCorps member, Brittany Wren, stresses the impact that has already been made on her life. As an office assistant and volunteer chef at a soup kitchen in Scottsdale, Wren realizes the important role she plays in aiding those less fortunate. “AmeriCorps members serve as a network of support to give hope to those who are under-served in our society.”
This program offers terms of service for 300 hours ($1,000), 450 hours ($1,250) and 900 hours ($2,362.50). The AmeriCorps program at MCC far surpasses that of any other colleges in its region, which includes Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, in addition to Arizona, said Hernandez. Collectively, MCC students have committed almost 116,000 hours of service and have received approximately $204,000 in educational awards since it’s beginning in 2002, according to Hernandez. To qualify for this program, students must be a U.S. Citizen over the age of 17, with a high school diploma or GED.
Faculty Director of the Center for Service-Learning, Duane Oakes, stresses that MCC students have many ways to become engaged on campus, in addition to service. MCC offers different opportunities such as the Multicultural Services sponsored “Leadership Today Diversity Retreat”, which trains students to embrace diversity by promoting tolerance in today’s society.
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