Volunteerism high at UNCP

By Lisa Tyndall
Web Editor

"Last year, UNCP student volunteers contributed more than 9,000 hours of community service in all kinds of settings," said Melanie Clark, who directs the University's Leadership and Service Opportunities Program (LSOP).

LSOP strives to make a difference at UNCP by offering students numerous ways of making a difference in the community.

Over 114 volunteer opportunities are available. This allows students to contribute in many different ways.

The program grows every year, offering new outlets for students to become involved in community service.

The wildfire of community service efforts has spread to the classroom with "service learning" programs offered by several UNCP faculty members.

Sociology Professor Dr. Ottis Murray teaches a course that will train students to write grants for community service programs in Robeson County.

"We've had great support from across campus," Clark said.

According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with more education were, as a whole, more likely to volunteer.

Forty-eight percent of college students volunteer, double the number of high school students. AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, Mary McEntee credits UNCP students for their remarkable attitude toward community service.

Community service has many rewards. The North Carolina Activating Citizens Through Service (NC ACTS!) offers 25 $1,000 scholarships to UNCP students who perform more than 300 hours of community service.

Through NC ACTS, McEntee has enrolled 23 students in the community service scholarship program. Visit the LSOP website at www.uncp.edu/activities/lsop or contact Melanie Clark at 521-6163.