This fall, a service learning program will come to Southeastern to give students a chance to learn while earning money at the same time, as Southeastern is set to begin its first year of the Students in Service (SIS) program.
Service learning is defined as an educational experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets community needs.
According to the SIS website, SIS is a part-time AmeriCorps program that encourages and supports college and university students to enroll as part-time AmeriCorps members who provide valuable service in their communities.
Students who participate in the program and complete more than 300 hours are eligible to earn $1,132 and more upon completion of 450 hours and 900 hours.
SIS Administrative Assistant Alexandra Raphael encourages students to join the club due to the education and financial benefits students can receive.
“It’s a great opportunity to get more involved, create change in our community, and gain some valuable skills all while earning a scholarship for education,” said Raphael.
The program will be brought to Southeastern thanks to a grant received by the Louisiana Campus Compact (LaCC), a part of the National Campus Compact whose goal is to promote community service, civic engagement and service learning in higher education. LaCC is hosted by Southeastern and President John L. Crain, who serves at the executive committee vice chair.
SIS Southeastern Coordinator Tena Golding explained the role of LaCC.
“Louisiana Campus Compact serves as a liaison between Louisiana’s college and university members,” said Golding. “As that liaison, LaCC has the opportunity to act as a central clearinghouse for ideas and other resources to increase service-learning experiences in higher education around the state.”
Raphael described the way the SIS program differs from other service learning programs.
“In SIS, students create their own plan to fulfill the program requirements so they have a lot of freedom and flexibility to design their own service experience,” said Raphael. “Potential service projects could include tutoring, volunteering at the local food bank, Habitat for Humanity or Special Olympics. It’s really up to the students.”
According to Rapahel, the Southeastern SIS program will be holding three information sessions to inform potential members about the program. The information sessions are as follows: Oct. 4 at 4 p.m., Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 8 a.m. All of the sessions will be held in Tinsley Hall, Room 103.
To attend any of the information sessions, students must register at www.selu.edu/servicelearning. Applications for the program will be accepted starting in October, and the selected students will be enrolled in the program in November.
Any interested students wanting more information on the SIS program at Southeastern can visit www.studentsinservice.org. Raphael can also be contacted for more information at 985-549-2506 or [email protected].