Warren Wilson College Catalog 07-08

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Service Learning Program

Through the Service-Learning Program at Warren Wilson College, students expand their education while simultaneously addressing issues of social and environmental justice.

Service experiences enable students to

While the Work Program primarily serves the needs of the College community, the Service- Learning Program reaches beyond Warren Wilson boundaries to address needs in other communities. Students serve locally with a wide variety of organizations such as the Mountain Area Child and Family Center, Asheville Buncombe County Education Coalition, Mountain Housing Opportunities, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hospitality House Shelter, Clean Water for NC, and MANNA Food Bank. Service is also a component of Warren Wilson WorldWide field courses, located in Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Students often initiate their own projects to match individual interests and skills. In addition, professors include service-learning experiences within the context of specific courses, and the Service-Learning Program advertises and plans many projects and educational events. Personal commitment to a service project varies from one day experiences, to break trips, to semester-long, year-long, or four-year experiences. Many students continue their service projects after graduation; some secure jobs through their service experiences.

Graduation Requirements, Including Deadlines for Juniors and Seniors

The Extended Project and Extended Project Reflection

Documentation of Service Hours and Statute of Limitations

Pre-Approved Agencies

Limitations on Service Credit

Student Recognition

Each year a graduation senior is awarded the Frederick Ohler Service Award, including $500, for exceptional service to the larger community while at WWC. Also, 10-15 seniors with outstanding service records are honored at a Family Service Recognition Reception, the afternoon before graduation day, in May.

Examples of Service Projects

Bonner Scholars Program

The 1999-2000 Academic Year marked the beginning of a new four-year service scholarship program at Warren Wilson College, the Bonner Scholars Program. This program gives participating students opportunities to develop strong skills in the areas of tutoring and mentoring, problem-solving, communication skills, team building and conflict resolution, project planning, reflective journaling, self-awareness, and leadership.

The program involves a unique collaboration between Service-Learning and the Work program. Bonner Scholars are members of the Service-Learning Work Crew.

The 12 to 20 Bonner Scholars are actively engaged in biweekly tutoring and mentoring of disadvantaged students from city and county public schools. They befriend children in the Swannanoa valley through a weekly on-campus Big Brother/Big Sister Program, and volunteer regularly at MANNA Food Bank, local schools, and member agencies of the Asheville Buncombe Education Coalition. In addition, they work with other Service-Learning student crew members in planning a large variety of service projects, including weeklies, Saturday projects, and week-long service break trips in the fall, winter, and spring.

The Bonner Scholars Program exemplifies the College's commitment to making a difference in our local community, as well as enriching students' lives through a strong emphasis on service.

Persons interested in learning more about the Bonner Scholars are encouraged to go to the web at www.warren-wilson.edu/mainpage/outside_main2.html. Look at Programs, Service, and Bonner.