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WAYNE – When Lisa Nelson began working as a service-learning specialist at Wayne State College in 2005, she didn’t know she’d eventually become director of the Service-Learning Program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the 2024-25 academic year.
Since 1999, Nelson said the program’s growth and student appeal have been astounding. Several service-learning projects have been added over time, and they have served the Wayne State campus, the Wayne community, and several surrounding communities.
For example, approximately 520 Wayne State students enrolled in 14 projects and events across numerous disciplines finished their Fall 2024 semester service-learning projects. 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, “Cram the Van,” a long-standing food collection project held during National Hunger and Homelessness Week; Literacy Assessment; Ike’s Lake Environmental Education Day; and Family, Math, Science & Art Night are all projects that have been around for about 20 years.
Nelson said these numbers are indicative of each semester’s projects and it’s always a team effort.
“Our faculty, students, and community partners who choose to participate in service-learning projects and events each semester are the backbone of the Service-Learning Program,” said Nelson, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s degree in Education from Wayne State. “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.”
“When Dr. Jean Karlen asked me to take over the Service-Learning Program, I had no idea it would grow into the enterprise it has become,” added Nelson.
The benefits of service-learning for students 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 serve as instructors and mentors for the numerous projects they are involved with during a 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 $1,000 gift, a 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.
