02-02-2025 Edu - Flipbook - Page 8
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The Baltimore Sun | Sunday, February 2, 2025
Changemakers, from page 2
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Scholars initiative integrates academic coursework with hands-on service. First-year students
take a foundational course, “Service-Learning
101,” and progress through additional servicelearning classes tied to their academic majors.
Participants earn a $2,000 annual scholarship,
which can be renewed for four years.
Holly Lentz-Schiller, director of the Service
Scholars program, highlights its far-reaching
impact. “Our students often lead transformative
projects, like starting campus clubs or partnering with nonprofits,” she explains. “They learn
to articulate their experiences in ways that resonate with future employers.”
Matthews’s recent leadership in planning a
campus-wide service fair, in collaboration with
Lentz-Schiller and Stevenson’s student activities
office, reflects her growth. “We wanted to bring
service opportunities directly to students to
provide a direct pathway to give back through
service,” she says. “The leadership, communication, networking and time management skills
I’ve gained helped me plan the event and these
skills will support me as I continue my education in pursuit of a career in social work.”
University of Baltimore’s Community
Development Fellowship Program
At the University of Baltimore, the
Community Development Fellowship program takes a different approach to service by
embedding students in Baltimore’s neighborhoods. Developed in 2018 and run through
UB’s College of Public Affairs, the fellowship
program provides paid internships to UB students who want to effect change, strengthen
leadership skills and gain hands-on experience.
Fellows are matched with local public-private partnerships and organizations such as the
Baltimore Main Streets program, where they
contribute to projects ranging from grant writing to urban revitalization. One fellow recently
worked with Waverly Main Street on streetscaping improvements and community cleanups,
creating a direct impact that fostered a sense
of pride and connection among Waverly’s residents.
“Through these internships, students turn
academic lessons into real-life experiences
while making a positive impact in Baltimore,”
notes Patricia Mikos, manager of the Public
Service Academy within the UB’s Schaefer
Center for Public Policy.
Building a Legacy of Leadership and Service
Across these institutions, students like
L’Oiseau and Matthews are redefining what it
means to serve by integrating their knowledge
with actionable service projects. They’re not
just giving their time. They’re building relationships, fostering equity and driving sustainable
change.
“Community service isn’t just about helping
others,” Matthews reflects. “It’s about understanding that we all have a role to play in creating a better world.”
From planting seeds in therapeutic gardens to organizing service fairs and revitalizing
city streets, the contributions of Baltimore’s
student leaders are both inspiring and indispensable. Their efforts not only uplift communities but also prepare them for a lifetime of
impactful leadership. As L’Oiseau puts it, “This
work shows me how interconnected we all are.
Together, we can make a positive impact in
our communities.”
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