More than 750 applied, including elite universities like Stanford, Cornell and Vanderbilt.
“To be named a national finalist is, indeed, an elite honor,” said Mark Putnam, Central College president. “Experiential learning and participation in civic and social engagement, in partnership, are ever-expanding emphases within our core mission and programs.”
Central was especially noted for its work improving the educational and developmental outcomes for children in Iowa’s most distressed communities.
One notable cause that Central students have been active in is refugee support. They provide English-as-a-Second-Language education, childcare and tutoring, grant writing and assistance with job and citizenship applications.
Central students also serve at-risk youth on the north side of Des Moines, providing weekly mentoring and tutoring sessions for preschool through sixth-grade students, as well as supporting English-language learning for nonnative speakers.
Research demonstrates that students who engage in service-learning have a more positive sense of personal efficacy, personal identity and spiritual growth. Service-learning builds leadership and communication skills and has a positive effect on social responsibility.
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