Winston-Salem State University has been designated for the second straight year as a member of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service for its exemplary service efforts and service to disadvantaged youth.
“We are proud to have received this recognition for a second straight year,” said WSSU Chancellor Donald J. Reaves. “It is a further illustration of WSSU’s commitment to serving our community, state, and nation.”
Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll recognizes colleges and universities nationwide that support innovative and effective community service and service-learning programs. Honorees for the award were chosen based on a series of selection factors including scope and innovativeness of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.
WSSU students, faculty and staff were involved in a number of community service programs during the last academic year including the involvement of more than 60 university representatives as volunteers for the North Carolina Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament and Cheerleading Competition held in Winston-Salem in March 2008.
WSSU service initiatives range from tutoring and mentoring programs at elementary, middle and high schools located within Forsyth County and communities across North Carolina and neighboring states, to homework assistance programs sponsored by churches, recreation centers or youth services organizations.
WSSU volunteers impacted 138 agencies in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area through volunteer efforts. An additional 93 agencies in communities outside of Forsyth County were served by WSSU student volunteers as well.
“There is no question that the universities and colleges who have made an effort to participate and win the Honor Roll award are themselves being rewarded,” said American Council on Education President David Ward. “Earning this distinction is not easy. But now each of these schools will be able to wear this award like a badge of honor.”
