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

2006-07

Students as Colleagues: Expanding the Circle of Service-Learning Leadership
New Programs Possible Through Increase in Student Fee Allocation Due to a 66% increase in student fees allocation, APPLES was able to launch a new Community-Based Research [CBR] program in 2006. Community-based research allows students to work with the community to highlight key issue areas, research these areas, and then provide collaborative solutions to meet these needs. The CBR committee collaborates with the Office for Undergraduate Research to offer community-based research fellowships to five students every summer. Additionally, a Robertson Collaboration Fund grant was secured for the development of collaborative workshops and resources for UNC and Duke Community-Based Research Fellows.
Many UNC students have expanded upon their experiences through involvement in planning service-learning programs. Recently, a few APPLES undergraduates shared their expertise in service-learning implementation through a book called, Students as Colleagues, that was recently published by National Campus Compact. These students wrote a chapter of the book, titled “Merging Students, Faculty, Community, and University,” which is available to service-learning programs throughout the country. We are very proud to be included
in this publication. Congratulations to all involved: Dac Cannon, '07 Emily Cupito, '06 Janaka Lagoo, '06 Kasey Q. Maggard, '04 Beth Payne, '06 Leslie Parkins, APPLES Associate Director
Student Leadership Development In 2006, numerous organizers were able to expand their scope of service-learning by attending and actively engaging in regional and national service-learning conferences. Student organizers, accompanied by a staff member, participated in the “Students as Colleagues” Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, a dozen organizers attended the North Carolina Campus Compact Student Conference at N.C. State University. Organizers led informative workshops on the unique student-leadership structure of APPLES as well as the success of our Social Entrepreneur Fellowship Program.

Growth in Global Programs

APPLES launched its first Global Alternative Spring Break experience to Guanajuato, Mexico in 2006-2007. This signature program provided 11 students, their professor and a graduate student documentarian with a first-hand experience on the global forces that shape migration to North Carolina, as well as its effects on

migrant families and sending communities. Students grew to better understand the global-local context that shapes Latin American migration by meeting with key community and political leaders, conducting meaningful interviews with migrant families, living in rural and urban homestays, and engaging in critical reflection activities. Students returned to UNC eager and well-equipped to serve local Latino communities through ongoing, individual projects.

Additionally, 20 UNC students participated this year in other experiences offered in Mexico, Namibia and South Africa. The programs focus on a variety of issues including gender and social change, sustainable development, nation building and globalization. A semester-based program to Vietnam has recently been added that will be available for students in fall 2008.

In light of the current needs of Gulf Coast communities, an Alternative Spring Break trip was developed to focus on hurricane relief work. Thirteen students participated in a one-credit hour course to examine theories behind community service as well as specific issues relative to the communities where they volunteered. Students conducted their service along the Gulf Coast in New Orleans and parts of Mississippi. Major activities included cleaning, assisting in rebuilding efforts, and learning more about the scope and nature of the devastation and response.