FSU service-learning program wins regional award

Florida State University’s Service Scholar Program, managed by FSU’s Center for Leadership & Service for the past 28 years, was named a NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) Florida Program of Distinction for its outstanding contributions to service-learning and student success.

NASPA-Florida is a state chapter of the national association of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The “Programs of Distinction” award celebrates innovative programs and services that benefit students across a wide range of categories, including service-learning, student activities and leadership.

“This award is a recognition of the importance of community-engaged work to student success,” said Joi Phillips, director of the Center for Leadership & Service and a member of the Service Scholar Advisory Board. “We are incredibly proud of the work this program has done in the Tallahassee community for almost three decades and are excited about continuing this tradition.”

Founded in 1997, the Service Scholars program is a comprehensive four-year, co-curricular program that promotes civic responsibility and leadership among undergraduate students. Each year, a select cohort of first-year students who have demonstrated excellence in service and leadership are admitted to the program.

Service Scholars complete 75 hours of service per semester, individual and group service projects, monthly colloquia and peer mentorship, all while maintaining a strong academic record. Scholars receive an annual scholarship of $4,500, totaling $18,000 over the course of the program. Across the approximately 40 scholars, the program awards $180,000 annually.

“I am forever grateful to the Service Scholar Program, for encouraging me to become a better individual focused on continuous learning who will continue to be engaged in community with responsibility,” said Hillary Harbauer, a third-year FSU student and the chair of the Service Scholar Student Board. “Had I not received an offer to become a Service Scholar, my undergraduate experience would have been missing a safety net and the ‘citizenship’ pillar that Florida State University promises.”

Erin Sylvester Philpot, a Service Scholar alumna, has come full circle in her relationship with the program. Now, as the program director for leadership at the Center for Leadership & Service, she serves as the director of the Service Scholar Program.

“We have a passion for helping others and naturally connect academic study and wisdom to the service of addressing wicked problems in our communities,” Philpot said. “On the whole, Service Scholars see humanity as something which simultaneously connects us and also obligates us to the service of the collective over ourselves.”

As part of this unique program, students are introduced to service-learning principles, nonprofit management and leadership theory, regardless of their major.

Jillian Volpe White, a member of the program’s fifth cohort, regarded the Service Scholars as one of the highlights of her undergraduate experience at FSU.

“Engaging in service with other scholars in a new city pushed me out of my comfort zone, and talking regularly with Bill Moeller, my Service Scholar mentor, provided opportunities for reflection,” White said. “Over the course of four years, I became more engaged on campus, facilitated service projects, learned about social issues locally and globally, and grew into a woman with confidence in her capacity.”

For more information, visit thecenter.fsu.edu.

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