West Virginia Wesleyan students contribute nearly 10,000 service hours to Upshur County in 2023-2024 academic year

News Release
July 27, 2024

BUCKHANNON — Students from the Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development (CCE) at West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) dedicated 9,760 service hours to Upshur County and surrounding communities during the 2023-2024 academic year. The CCE plans to continue its support efforts in the upcoming fall semester.

The CCE aims to uphold WVWC’s mission by providing transformative learning and community engagement opportunities that promote positive social change. Staff members and students frequently communicate with 37 community partners in Buckhannon to ensure a meaningful experience for all participants.

The center’s primary goal is to address the needs of community partners and the clients they serve. These partners help students enhance their life and professional skills by providing personalized experiences tailored to their past experiences and future goals.

Students dedicate 4-6 hours weekly, totaling 75 hours each semester, at their community partner sites. In exchange, they receive a $3,000 scholarship called the Wesleyan Service Scholars (WSS), which amounts to $12,000 over four years. Based on the current minimum wage of $8.75, the students’ volunteer hours contributed $85,400 in value to the community during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Director of Community Engagement Jessica Vincent reflected on the past year, saying, “We’ve challenged students to dig deeper and find unique ways to measure their impact.” She emphasized the importance of collaboration and hands-on experience in making true change through meaningful experiences.

The CCE also advises a peer council on campus, where students apply leadership skills gained through the program to organize service events and raise awareness of societal issues. The initiative, Wesleyan Engaging Leaders through Education Awareness & Development (WE LEAD), comprises six groups: Animal Welfare, High Tunnel, Human Rights, Youth Security, Invisible Illness, and Poverty Reduction. These groups host events and attend conferences to discuss their topics and challenges.

Vincent noted, “The most encouraging part of my role in the CCE is seeing students share their passions with others while actively putting them in uncomfortable situations to expand their knowledge and skills.”

The WE LEAD teams work directly with community partners to support and raise awareness for their needs. The Poverty Reduction team collaborates with the Upshur Parish House to provide community dinners each semester, while the Youth Security team organized a School Supply Drive for the Upshur County Board of Education last year.

As the fall semester approaches, the CCE welcomes 24 new first-year students to the program. These students, hailing from various backgrounds, have demonstrated leadership and service through involvement in the National Honors Society, Red Cross, Young Life, and other organizations. The cohort includes standout individuals such as Eagle Scouts, Army Junior Reserves, and former school mascots.

These students are: