When Steven Love II unknowingly enrolled in a service-learning class at St. Charles Community College, he wasn't sure what to do at first. The class required Love to volunteer at least 15 hours semester at a local organization of his choice.

“After giving it some thought, I felt like this was a real opportunity to do some good,” he said.

He decided to stay in the class and volunteer his time at the St. Louis Crisis Nursey.

“When I was growing up, I helped my mom and stepdad raise my infant brother,” Love explained. “Taking care of a child just came naturally to me. I realized if I can take care of a child, I can take care of anyone.”

He was welcomed with open arms at the organization, which generally only sees female volunteers. Love was determined to become a positive male role model to children at the Crisis Nursey.

“Taking a service-learning class gave me the chance to go out and do something great and make an impact in someone's life,” he said. “If one person can impact 100 people, then 100 people can impact thousands to millions. That's all it takes.”

Love is one of seven SCC students who completed the Semester of Service program during the fall semester. The program, created by the Missouri Campus Compact, “assists member institutions of higher education in their mission to prepare students for civic and social responsibility by encouraging them to use their time and talents in service to their communities. As part of their education.”

“Students in SCC service-learning classes are encouraged to enroll in the program,” said Bryonie Carter, associate professor of English. She chairs the service-learning and engagement program at SCC. “However, the program is actually open to all students. Over the years, we've had students in several clubs and organizations take part in the program.”

Students who sign up to participate in the program track their volunteer hours, obtain the appropriate signatures from their supervisors and fill out a short form at the end of the semester. All community service must take place during a single semester, and students enrolled in service-learning classes may count their class volunteer hours towards the program requirements.

Each student who participates in the Semester of Service receives recognition from the Missouri Campus Compact, including a certificate of recognition, two letters of recommendation sent anywhere the student chooses and a letter recognizing the student's achievement sent to Dr. Barbara Kavalier, president of SCC.

Students obtain recognition from the Missouri Campus Compact based on three tiers of volunteer hours: Community Contributor (45-69 hours), Community Changer (70-99 hours), and Community Catalyst (100+ hours).

For the spring 2019 semester, seven SCC students were recognized for their dedication to helping others in need:

Community Changer:

  • Anna Pagano: 86.5 hours
  • Lauren Duggan: 79.5 hours
  • Dana Zahran: 71 hours

 

Community Contributor:

  • Melinda Janson: 55 hours
  • Miriam Frenchie: 45 hours
  • Edenia Gallardo: 45 hours
  • Steven Love II: 45 hours

“I am so proud of these students,” said Carter. “Though only 15 hours are required in our service-learning classes, they went above and beyond to help their community. They are true role models on campus.” 

For more information about the Semester of Service or service-learning classes at SCC, please contact Carter at bcarter@stchas.edu.

St. Charles Community College strives to provide reasonable accommodations to all people at any SCC-sponsored event. Please contact Disability Support Services at dss@stchas.edu or 636-922-8581 as early as possible to discuss your needs.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.