UNC Chapel Hill: APPLES Service-Learning Program: For Students


	1993-1995 UNC Students Use Vacation to Help Community In February of 1995, the Advisory Board approved to permanently fund summer internships, a program that had been part of the initiative of a.p.p.l.e.s. With this, a matching investment had to be made by the community partner to help fund the program and insure long-term commitment. APPLES presents in Bicentennial Celebration In April of 1994, Professor Rachel Willis’ class “Economics and Gender” presented their service-learning projects as part of UNC’s bicentennial celebration of work in the community. Professor Willis notes, “This was the coming out party of a.p.p.l.e.s. This was the first time the program was on the administration’s map as they realized the impact these students and classes were making.” From the Service-Learning Coordinator’s Desk (By Mary Morrison) In 1995, Mary Morrison was fores as the first full-time coordinator of a.p.p.l.e.s. marking the beginning of the most significant period of growth for the program. During her seven years with the program she oversaw the creation of 5 new programs, most of which grew three of four times their initial size by her departure. She also helped secure forms of permanent funing, increases in student fees, and received many grants to help advance the program. Mary was a guiding force for the student leadership and greatly helped to mold a.p.p.l.e.s. to what it has become. Combining Claswork, Community Service, Mission of UNC Student Group a.p.p.l.e.s. This period marked an initiative for growth. The first few years dealt primarily with staying afloat and securing funding. A student-led initiative polled faculty and community agencies to find who would be interested in integrating service into their classes. A new resource of faculty grants from the Center for Teaching and Learning allowed faculty to create new courses or provide incentive for them to adapt their current courses to include service. See a need in the community? Need the funding to address it? Social Entrepreneur Fellowships Under the leadership of new coordinator, Mary Morrison, a.p.p.l.e.s. began offering course credit and up to $1500 for student’s innovative community projects. This was the first step for the program to move beyond the classroom and further integrate the ideals of learning and community involvement.