Kyle Rowe

Service learning is the incorporation of community service into education: a school program that integrates citizenship values into education by involving students in community service, often as a requirement for graduation. Content above provided by Encarta® World English Dictionary[North American Edition] © & (P) 2009 Microsoft Corporation.

For Students Enriches student learning of course material and "brings books to life and life to books". Engages students in active learning that demonstrates the relevance and importance of academic work for their life experience and career choices. Increases awareness of current societal issues as they relate to academic areas of interest. Broadens perspectives of diversity issues and enhances critical thinking skills. Improves interpersonal skills that are increasingly viewed as important skills in achieving success in professional and personal spheres. Develops civic responsibility through active community involvement.

For the Community Provides substantial human resources to meet educational, human, safety, and environmental needs of local communities. Allows the energy and enthusiasm of college students to contribute to meeting needs. Fosters an ethic of service and civic participation in students who will be tomorrow's volunteers and civic leaders. Creates potential for additional partnerships and collaboration with the campus.

For the Faculty Members and Institution Enriches and enlivens teaching and learning. Builds reciprocal partnerships with the local community. Creates new areas for research and scholarships, and increases opportunities for professional recognition and reward. Extends campus resources into the community and reinforces the value of the scholarship of engagement. Supports the University of Hawaii - Leeward Community College's mission "...to provide open door access to high quality education in an environment that is responsive to community needs and encourages all students to achieve their educational goals. The college actively promotes the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our communities by through lifelong learning and a commitment to student success...".- LCC Mission Statement Draft, August

The Blazer Blast is an event for little kids to get a chance to meet the baseball team. This event is held each Fall, and this past Fall we had over 100 children attend the event.

At the Blazer Blast the team sets up around 5 different baseball skills stations. The baseball team divides up between the stations to teach/work with the kids on different baseball skills. The kids have a great time.

The Blazer Build is a community service project where the VSU Athletic Department partners with Habitat For Humanity. The VSU athletes build a Habitat For Humanity home. Over 200 athletes helped build the home.

The lady who we built the home for came out there as we were leaving. She was very nice and appreciative. She said thanks to every one of us and even started to cry. This is a picture of us before we went to the Blazer Build.

Several of the VSU baseball team members volunteered at Wild Adventures. Wild Adventures is a theme park, and I helped paint the signs for the different rides.

In the past I have helped with various fundraisers, but this is the first time I have really put in a lot of time. Since doing these projects, I feel like I am more aware of societal issues and diversity issues. I have improved my interpersonal skills and developed a civic attitude toward being a more responsible citizen.