Education and Camp Guide 2.1 - Flipbook - Page 8
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The Baltimore Sun | Sunday, February 1, 2026
Maryland Colleges
Expand Their Reach
Through Community
Service Programs
Students are using outreach to improve
traffic, support peers in need, and open
new educational pathways
By Megan Weeden, Contributing Writer
C
ommunity service has become
an increasingly important part
of higher education, with colleges and universities across
Maryland integrating civic engagement
into academic life. Rather than treating service as a standalone requirement,
institutions are embedding real-world
problem solving into courses, leadership
programs and campus culture – making
higher education a driver of lasting social
impact.
At Salisbury University, the presidential
citizen scholars (PCS) program prepares
students to become civic leaders by
immersing them directly in the challenges facing local communities. Overseen
by the Institute for Public Affairs and
Civic Engagement (PACE), PCS brings
together student cohorts who spend
three semesters researching a local issue,
collaborating with government and nonprofit partners, and designing practical,
sustainable solutions.
Through interviews, surveys and site
visits, scholars identify community needs
firsthand and help implement programs
intended to remain in place long after
their projects conclude.
One recent PCS project focused on
traffic safety near the Newton Community
Center, where residents expressed concerns about speeding. Scholars worked
with neighbors to design and implement a traffic-calming mural – a vibrant
street painting that both slows drivers
and celebrates community identity. The
team gathered input at block parties
and school events, incorporated local
artwork into the design, and worked with
a professional muralist to bring the vision
to life. On paint day, students and residents worked side by side, transforming
asphalt into art that makes the neighborhood safer and more welcoming.
Another project currently underway
is led by Jalen Hammond, a social work
major, who is using research from a previous cohort to address mental health
needs across age groups.
“Our project includes creating an interactive digital children’s book designed to
promote emotional well-being and resilience,” Hammond says.
Once completed, the book will be
introduced in local schools and community spaces and will include lesson plans
and coloring pages, ensuring families
have accessible tools to support mental
health in everyday life.
“SU’s highest purpose is to empower
students with knowledge, skills and core
values that contribute to lifelong learning
and active citizenship in a democratic
society,” says Ryan Weaver, PCS coordinator. “PCS was founded on that principle and offers students of all majors and
disciplines the opportunity to engage in
community life, develop habits of democratic citizenship, and become experienced civic leaders.”
Anne Arundel Community College
(AACC) demonstrates its long-standing
commitment to hands-on service through
the Sarbanes Center for Career and Civic
Engagement. From food drives to environmental initiatives, AACC integrates
community impact into academics by
pairing coursework with service-learning
experiences. Students collaborate with
local nonprofits, schools, health organizations and environmental groups, applying
Salisbury University’s Presidential Citizen Scholars’ street mural project. This project was completed in partnership with
community leaders Rachel Manning (Neighborhood Relations Manager, City of Salisbury) and Brandon Bell (We Are
Limitless Studios). Photo by Manda Weaver Photography.
classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Guided reflection helps students
connect civic engagement to their academic and career goals.
One recent initiative is Thrift to Fit, a
professional clothing drive organized by
Marija Pushko, an intern with AACC’s
entrepreneurial studies institute. The
drive (seen in photos above) began after
the wife of a deceased faculty member
donated his work clothes. Pushko recognized an opportunity to expand the
effort college-wide and began soliciting
donations of suits, ties, shoes, and professional attire from faculty and staff.
“It was a sight to behold,” Pushko
says. “We had racks of professional
clothing – everything from suit sets to
shoes to professional dresses. And lots
of students showed up at the event. In
fact, 126 students attended and took 53
percent of our inventory.”
The event extended beyond clothing
distribution – students could also get
a quick tutorial on tying a tie, garment
care and professional presentation. The
first 30 students also received hygiene
kits donated by Success in Style, a local
nonprofit.
“Students don’t have extra cash, and
it’s expensive to prepare for your first
professional job,” Pushko says. “Through
this project, the biggest skill I gained was
communication – both with volunteers
