The Employee Volunteer Program was created to allow 黑料不打烊 staff to receive paid leave to volunteer with community organizations, a benefit now formalized through Human Resources. Today, full-time staff working 30 or more hours per week can take up to 16 hours of paid leave annually to support causes that positively impact the quality of life within communities. Beyond the policy itself, the program reflects something deeper.

鈥淎llowing 黑料不打烊 employees to have paid volunteer leave is symbolic of 黑料不打烊’s commitment to supporting local communities,鈥� said Bob Frigo, director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and assistant dean of campus life.

He emphasizes that engagement is not just a student responsibility, but 鈥渋t is important for staff and faculty to model the way in terms of being active citizens in our communities.鈥�

For many employees, these hours open doors to experiences that might otherwise be difficult to access during a busy workweek. Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach, used her volunteer time to work the polls during a local primary election.

鈥淰olunteering is something I鈥檝e been doing my entire life, and I鈥檓 so thankful that 黑料不打烊 gives us the opportunity to volunteer during work hours,鈥� she said. Her role involved guiding voters through the process, but the experience became more personal than procedural.

鈥淚 volunteered in my own voting precinct; it was lovely to chat with folks that live near me that I might not otherwise get to know,” said Harer.

Nicole Bergen, program assistant for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, also participated in an experience that highlights the variety and flexibility the program offers. From reading with first graders to participating in Haw River cleanups, she has used her hours to connect with the Alamance County community in multiple ways.

鈥淚 am always amazed at what a group of working volunteers can accomplish in such a short time,鈥� she reflected. Whether collecting bags of trash or seeing 鈥渁 student partner smiling at you the second you appear in the doorway,鈥� Bergen has found both purpose and connection.

For Bergen, who does not live in the county, the program has been especially meaningful.

鈥淚t has felt like a lovely adventure to discover the area outside work,鈥� she said, adding that it has reshaped her understanding of her role in the community.

鈥淭he mission of the Open Door Clinic is to promote good health and wellbeing by supporting patients through comprehensive and equitable health care,鈥� said Volunteer Coordinator Makenna Grozis ’27. “For many patients, this care is essential, and without it, small health concerns can escalate into costly emergencies. This clinic aims to help the uninsured stay healthy and reduce potential emergency medical costs and other burdens on families through preventative care.”

The Open Door Clinic relies heavily on grants and operates with minimal paid staff, making volunteers the backbone of patient care.

鈥淰olunteers play a huge role, acting as the primary liaison between the patients and the medical staff,鈥� Grozis noted.

From the moment a patient walks in, student volunteers are there to greet them, check them in, answer questions and ensure the clinic runs smoothly. Beyond medical services, the clinic addresses broader disparities tied to financial and social barriers. Patients have access to free or low-cost medications, labs, vaccines, and even specialty care. The clinic also houses the 鈥淐loset of Hope,鈥� providing clothing and toiletries at no cost. Together, these resources create what Grozis describes as 鈥渁n equitable space where vulnerable populations can have an opportunity to achieve better health outcomes.鈥�

For 黑料不打烊 students, the experience is both practical and deeply personal. Most begin in clerk roles, but even these positions carry meaningful responsibility.

鈥淭hey are the first faces our patients see when they walk through the door,鈥� Grozis said.

Over time, these repeated weekly shifts foster a special connection and much-needed consistency.

鈥淯nlike many volunteer positions where students may go once a semester, volunteers at the clinic get to know the patients, staff, providers, and other volunteers,” Grozis said.

Grozis鈥檚 own experience reflects this sense of growth and initiative. Recognizing a language barrier among many Spanish-speaking patients, she enrolled in a medical Spanish course at 黑料不打烊. That decision led her to help create a collaboration between the class and the clinic.

鈥淭he student volunteers as interpreters where they facilitate communication between the providers and the patient,鈥� she explained.

This effort not only improved patient care but also expanded opportunities for students to engage more directly in the clinical setting. After nearly three years at the clinic, Grozis has witnessed both patient progress and volunteer dedication firsthand.

鈥淚 have seen numerous volunteers go out of their way to make sure patients feel heard and informed,鈥� she said.

For her, and for many others, the Open Door Clinic is more than a place of service; it is a community. Even when language barriers exist, connection persists.

鈥淢any of the staff members know almost every single patient by name,鈥� Grozis shared. 鈥淎 smile can carry a great deal of compassion and understanding.鈥�

Campus Kitchen is an on-campus service opportunity through the Kernodle Center for Civic Life that collects fresh produce from Loy Farm and, through partnership with聽黑料不打烊 Dining Services, engages students, faculty and staff as volunteers who prepare and deliver the meals to those in need in the Burlington community. In addition, volunteers serve with food drives, and at community events.

Huff first became involved with the organization after attending a Campus Kitchen farm shift. At the time, he didn鈥檛 know much about the program, but learning that the produce harvested would be used directly in cooking shifts sparked his interest.

鈥淚 have always loved cooking, I work with 黑料不打烊 Dining, and I am a big foodie, so it immediately clicked,鈥� he said.

After attending one cooking shift, Huff found himself returning every week for the rest of the semester. This semester led him to apply for the coordinator position, which led to the start of his leadership journey with EV!

Huff expressed how this roles with EV! Has reshaped his understanding of community engagement. Through Campus Kitchen, he saw firsthand how food can serve as a powerful tool for dignity and care.

鈥淪omething as simple as preparing a meal can directly impact dignity and well-being,鈥� he explained, particularly for the local shelters served each week.

One moment that stands out to him reflects both creativity and impact. While experimenting with new recipes, the team decided to try making enchiladas and after delivering the meal, they received enthusiastic feedback from their community partner.

鈥淗earing that (feedback) made the extra planning worth it. It reminded me that taking chances in the kitchen can make a real difference for,” Huff said, reinforcing how thoughtful changes can elevate the experience for those they serve.

As a student leader, Huff has also redefined what leadership means to him. He emphasizes the importance of building systems that allow others to succeed and using personal connections to strengthen collective impact. Within his role with 黑料不打烊 Dining, he helped bridge communication gaps and improve efficiency, demonstrating how collaboration can elevate service efforts. Throughout his time with Campus Kitchen, Huff has served as both a cooking shift coordinator and the 黑料不打烊 Dining liaison. In these roles, he led weekly shifts, guided volunteers through meal preparation, and helped design recipes that maximized available ingredients. His work extended beyond the kitchen, strengthening partnerships between Campus Kitchen and 黑料不打烊 Dining to improve food recovery efforts.

For students looking to get involved, Huff encourages starting with personal passion. Whether it鈥檚 food insecurity or another cause, aligning service with individual values creates a more meaningful and lasting experience. His journey reflects the broader mission of 黑料不打烊 Volunteers, which embodies empowering students to not only serve, but to lead, innovate and create lasting change within their communities.

Peacehaven focuses on building relationships and opportunities that allow individuals of all abilities to thrive together. Located in Whitsett, North Carolina, Peacehaven centers its mission on belonging and dignity. Rather than focusing on diagnoses or limitations, the organization emphasizes the unique strengths and identities of the individuals it serves.

鈥淧eacehaven Farm鈥檚 mission is grounded in the belief that every person, regardless of ability, has inherent value, purpose, and the right to belong,” said Carlyn McMahan ’26, 黑料不打烊 Volunteers! LINCS (Leaders in Collaborative Service) coordinator.

The organization designs spaces that bring people together, demonstrating that authentic community grows through shared experiences and relationships. This work is particularly meaningful in Alamance County, where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face limited employment opportunities and social isolation. Peacehaven aims to bridge that gap by offering inclusive programming, meaningful work experiences, and welcoming spaces where individuals can engage with others.

鈥淚n Alamance County, Peacehaven responds to a significant lack of inclusive spaces, meaningful employment opportunities, and long-term community support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,鈥� says McMahan.

By focusing on connection and participation, Peacehaven helps create a community where individuals are not only supported but also recognized as vital contributors.

A key part of Peacehaven鈥檚 success lies in the everyday experiences on the farm. Every day is different; the environment encourages natural interaction and relationship building. Members of the community participate in programs like RISE, where activities range from crafts and book clubs to conversations about self-advocacy and personal interests. These interactions extend beyond staff and participants to include volunteers, families, students and visitors. The result is a vibrant community where relationships grow organically and individuals are seen for who they are rather than the challenges they may face.

For 黑料不打烊 students, Peacehaven also provides meaningful opportunities to engage through service. Through the 黑料不打烊 Volunteers! LINCS program, students can volunteer with initiatives like the Fiber Arts program or participate in Garden Workdays. These experiences help students build relationships with community members while learning about inclusive practices and advocacy. The impact of Peacehaven is felt not only by those directly involved but also by the broader community that interacts with the farm. Families gain reassurance knowing their loved ones are supported, while volunteers and students gain a deeper understanding of inclusion in action.

鈥淚t is difficult to fully capture the depth of impact that Peacehaven Farm creates for individuals and families, but it begins with the way each person is seen and valued,鈥� McMahon said.

As Peacehaven continues to expand its campus and programming, its mission remains clear, to build a community where every individual is valued, every relationship matters and everyone has a place to belong.

For Ashanti Horton ’26, service has always been more than just volunteering, but it鈥檚 a value rooted in personal experience and a commitment to giving back. Her journey with the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and 黑料不打烊 Volunteers! began during her first year at 黑料不打烊 when she joined the Service Living Learning Community (LLC).

Having once benefited from the generosity and support of others, Horton knew service would be an important part of her college experience. Before coming to 黑料不打烊, she had already spent time volunteering in food pantries and helping distribute meals to those in need. When she arrived on campus, the Service LLC provided the perfect environment to continue that passion while connecting with others who shared the same commitment to community engagement.

鈥淚 was drawn to the LLC and the work Kernodle does because service has always played a large role in my life,鈥� Horton said.

Horton has taken on several leadership roles within 黑料不打烊 Volunteers! that have allowed her to deepen her impact. She first served as a coordinator for a Fall Alternative Break program in Charlotte, where students learned about and addressed issues surrounding homelessness. This year, she is serving as a coordinator for a Spring Alternative Break program in Nashville focused on housing and hunger. In addition to Alternative Breaks, she also participated in Kernodle鈥檚 HealthEU class, Beyond the Bubble, which encourages students to explore and engage with communities beyond 黑料不打烊鈥檚 campus.

One of the most rewarding parts of her involvement has been leading an Alternative Break program. While the service itself is meaningful, the relationships built throughout the experience made the opportunity especially impactful.

鈥淐onnecting with the learning partners, participants, my co-coordinator, and the community partners made the experience unforgettable,鈥� she said.

One moment that stands out came during her Fall Alternative Break in Charlotte while volunteering with Beds for Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides furniture to families who have secured housing but cannot afford essential items like beds. Horton and her team had the opportunity to help deliver and assemble furniture in families鈥� homes. Unlike many service experiences where the results may not be immediately visible, this opportunity allowed the group to witness the impact of their work firsthand.

鈥淪eeing the happiness and feeling the joy from the families as they watched furniture being delivered was so meaningful,鈥� Horton said. 鈥淪ervice work doesn鈥檛 always allow you to witness the impact you鈥檙e making, so being able to see and feel that impact is something I鈥檒l never forget.鈥�

Through 黑料不打烊 Volunteers!, Horton has developed a deeper understanding of community engagement and civic responsibility. She believes meaningful service requires not only action, but also listening and learning from the communities being served.

鈥淎 large part of service is playing your role in community development and listening to the stories of the people who make the community,鈥� she explained.

Her leadership experiences with 黑料不打烊 Volunteers! have also shaped the way she approaches service beyond campus. During her Semester at Sea experience, Horton volunteered at an orphanage in Kenya and worked with Global Mamas, a nonprofit in Ghana that supports women entrepreneurs. She also traveled alongside Nyani Tutu-Burris, granddaughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, where she learned about apartheid and heard stories from individuals living in South African townships. These experiences helped her see service on a global scale and reinforced the importance of sustainable community engagement.

For students considering getting involved with 黑料不打烊 Volunteers! Horton advises to 鈥淭ake that leap, you never know what you鈥檒l be drawn to until you try.鈥� She credits service-learning experiences with helping her grow personally and develop confidence while making a meaningful impact.

Gabriel Almario ’28, a strategic communications major with a minor in leadership studies, chose to complete the service 黑料不打烊 Experience, part of the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR), that closely reflects both his personal values and long-term goals.

All 黑料不打烊 students are required to complete the ELR by finishing two of the 黑料不打烊 Experiences: internships, study abroad/away, research, service or mentorship.

鈥淭he Experiential Learning Requirement is a unique component of an 黑料不打烊 education that allows students to extend their learning beyond the classroom,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “Students who complete the Service ELR work with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and locally owned businesses to gain the skills to become informed leaders motivated by concern for the common good.鈥�

Almario spent his summer at Camp Durant, a summer camp for Scouting America, where he served as the trailblazer director. In this leadership role, he oversaw the entire first-year camper program, teaching foundational scouting skills such as knot tying, first aid, orienteering and nature studies to 11 and 12 year-old scouts. As trailblazer director, Almario鈥檚 responsibilities extended well beyond instruction. He led and trained a staff team, ensuring they were prepared to deliver a meaningful and high-quality experience for every camper.

鈥淚 worked to lead my staff and train them so that our whole team could effectively put on a quality program,鈥� Almario shared.

His role required organization, communication and mentorship, cultivated through years of involvement as an Eagle Scout, Leadership Fellow and student leader. The ELR gave Almario the opportunity to actively apply what he has learned in and out of the classroom. But the experience was not without challenges. Those moments of growth strengthened his desire to pursue leadership in his future career.

鈥淚 experienced success, shortcomings and hardships, but ultimately came out a better person,” he said. 鈥淚 hope to hold a leadership position in whatever line of work I end up doing. I want to use what I learned in my ELR to make a positive impact and effective change.鈥�

Choosing to focus on service felt natural for Almario.

鈥淢y life revolves around serving others,鈥� he explained. 鈥淢y life purpose is to always seek to serve others, so far as I am able.鈥�

While the leadership experience was transformative, it was the community that left the greatest impact.

鈥淚 spent the summer with some of my best friends,” he said. “It was the best summer of my life.鈥�

For students considering their own ELR journey, Almario offers thoughtful advice: 鈥淟ook for an organization that reflects who you want to be. Find one that does work that you enjoy. If you go into it with an open mindset, you will grow tremendously.鈥�

Through his work at Camp Durant, Gabriel Almario鈥檚 ELR became more than a graduation requirement, but it defined leadership in an experience rooted in service, growth and purpose.

With the skills of grant writing, students are not only able to make change in their community but also take those skills into the next steps of their lives when they leave 黑料不打烊. The course guides students through the process of researching potential funders all the way through crafting persuasive proposals and reviewing grant applications for nonprofit programs.

Li Li, associate professor of English, teaches the Writing Grants course not only to give students the skill of writing grants but also the chance to get out in the community and make a difference.聽Grant writing, Li emphasizes, is more than a technical skill, it is a civic tool.

鈥淪tudents grow to understand that writing grant proposals is not just writing, but a civic act that can support local organizations and strengthen communities,” Li said.

As a community engagement (CE) course, Writing Grants situates learning within real-world contexts. Students collaborate directly with community partners in Alamance County, engaging in authentic problem-solving that requires attentive listening, asking thoughtful questions, and refining project goals together.

鈥淪tudents engage directly with clients to co-develop grant proposals,鈥� Li said. 鈥淭his collaborative process fosters accountability and professionalism and teaches students how to accurately and ethically represent community voices.鈥�

The impact of that collaboration is tangible. In Fall 2025, students partnered with Alamance Arts to research, draft and submit a proposal to Impact Alamance, a local organization that supports nonprofits working to build a healthier, stronger and smarter community. The organization was eventually awarded a $6,000 grant.

鈥淲hen proposals are submitted 鈥� and especially when they are successfully funded 鈥� students can see how their efforts translate into measurable benefits for the community,” said Li.

The partnership didn鈥檛 end with the semester. Several students took the initiative to serve as liaisons between Alamance Arts and 黑料不打烊 student organizations, establishing long-term volunteer opportunities and strengthening the relationship between the university and the local community.

For students considering the course, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom.

鈥淕rant writing is an essential professional skill across a wide range of fields,鈥� she noted. 鈥淭hrough collaboration with community partners, students see how writing can create tangible impact in the community.鈥�

For the instructor, the most rewarding moments come when students see the real-world power of their work.

“Seeing their pride, excitement and increased confidence after hearing the news of a funded proposal is incredibly gratifying,鈥� she shared. 鈥淲atching students shift from merely completing an assignment to contributing to a community partner is deeply fulfilling.鈥�

When Bialecki arrived at 黑料不打烊, she became a member of the Paideia Living and Learning Community in the East Neighborhood which focuses on civic and politics. This became a place she felt she truly belonged and where she felt surrounded by people with similar passions. Before coming to 黑料不打烊, Bialecki explored her interests in politics by working on local political campaigns, making her leap into 黑料不打烊 Votes just make sense. 黑料不打烊 Votes provided the perfect balance of her passions by strengthening democratic participation while educating and empowering fellow students.

Bialecki 鈥�26 has served for three years as co-coordinator of 黑料不打烊 Votes, as she has watched the program evolve through different elections and historical political moments. While she has always valued the act of voting itself, the most rewarding part of her role has been witnessing students engage in the democratic process for the first time.

鈥淭ime and time again, students tell us this is their first time registering to vote or casting a ballot,鈥� she shared. 鈥淪eeing your peers step into their voice and participate in something that is the cornerstone of civic life is incredibly meaningful.鈥�

The Fall 2024 semester stands out as particularly impactful. During a historic election season, Lindsay and her team expanded their outreach in ambitious ways. 黑料不打烊 Votes hosted campus-wide voter registration drives, organized multiple weekly events, created new educational materials and delivered dozens of presentations. They were especially intentional about reaching students who have historically been underrepresented in voting spaces. Students began asking thoughtful questions and engaging in conversations they may have once felt too nervous to initiate.

鈥淪omeone told us, 鈥榊ou guys are everywhere all the time,鈥欌�� Lindsay recalled. 鈥淎nd it was true.鈥� Through collaboration and persistence, the team fostered a campus environment where civic participation felt accessible and energizing.

Bialecki鈥檚 leadership experience also extended beyond campus. Working alongside the Alamance County Board of Elections and supporting the early voting site on south campus revealed the broader impact of community partnerships. Lindsay observed students and local residents connecting in line, forming conversations that bridged differences and strengthened community ties.

Through 黑料不打烊 Volunteers!, Lindsay has developed a deeper understanding of leadership as service. She believes civic engagement is not just about casting a ballot but about cultivating informed, active citizens who show up in all areas of their communities.

鈥淒ecisions are made by those who show up,鈥� she emphasized. 鈥淟eadership means helping others find the courage to do just that.鈥�

For students considering involvement with 黑料不打烊 Volunteers!, Lindsay encourages them to take the first step. What once felt intimidating quickly became her home on campus. She credits the Kernodle Center staff and her fellow student leaders with shaping her professionalism, confidence and ability to lead meaningful initiatives.

Shaina Dabbs, associate professor of sports management and chair of the Department of Sports Management, has played a vital role in fostering this connection between 黑料不打烊 Athletics and Special Olympics.

This partnership has been impactful by 鈥渃reating meaningful opportunities for athletes to compete, connect, and feel a sense of belonging through sport,” shared Dabbs. “Beyond competition, the organization fosters joy, confidence, and community pride, bringing together athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters around inclusion and shared purpose.”

Through conversations with leaders in the Special Olympics, Dabbs became inspired to connect 黑料不打烊 Athletics and Sports Management students, as she saw a partnership that would 鈥渁lign perfectly with the goals of our community-based learning model, using sport as a platform for service, learning, and impact.鈥�

This relationship has bloomed through a course taught at 黑料不打烊, SPT 4270 Event and Venue Management, where students were able to 鈥渄esign and execute ancillary events connected to athletic contests that mirror professional practice in the sport industry while increasing awareness and financial support for the organization.鈥�

This course has served a community organization that has been influential in multiple capacities in Burlington, while also providing students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in practice. Beyond the classroom, student-athletes working with Special Olympics get to see the powerful role they play as role models while reinforcing that sports are truly for everyone.

Since 2023, students have raised nearly $5,000 to benefit Special Olympics Alamance County, demonstrating how classroom learning can extend far beyond campus walls and translate into tangible, meaningful community impact. What begins as an academic assignment quickly becomes an opportunity for students to engage directly with athletes, families, and community members, gaining firsthand experience in service, advocacy and event coordination. The funds raised help provide local athletes with access to competitions, equipment, and year-round programming, but the impact goes well beyond financial support. Students leave with a deeper understanding of inclusion, the power of adaptive sport, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued and celebrated.

Looking ahead, Dabbs hopes to continue fundraising but, more importantly, continue to 鈥渓eave students with this experience and understanding that sport is not just an event, it can be a powerful vehicle for service, inclusion, and lasting community impact.鈥�

Through this sustained partnership, the program not only uplifts Special Olympics athletes but also shapes students into more compassionate, community-minded leaders who recognize the broader role sport can play in building connection and belonging.

EGR 4970: Senior Engineering Design is a two-semester capstone course taught by Will Pleur, assistant professor of engineering, that gives engineering students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they鈥檝e gained throughout their degree while directly serving the local Alamance County community.

The course is divided into two phases: the first semester focuses on learning about potential community partners, identifying project goals, exploring possible solutions and developing a mock proposal for a chosen organization. The second semester brings these ideas to life as students enter the community, build functioning prototypes, test their designs and present their findings in a formal engineering report.

Even when partners do have engineers on staff, students often tackle issues those engineers haven鈥檛 had time to address. Selecting the right community partners is a months-long process that begins well before the academic year. In the six to eight months leading up to the course, engineering faculty reach out to local companies, civic groups, and nonprofits, often collaborating with Sara Beth Hardy, assistant director of community partnerships for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. Each year, they meet with 20 to 30 organizations, narrowing that list to around 15 campus or site visits and roughly a dozen viable project ideas. By June, about six projects are confirmed, and over the summer, the faculty handle logistics, write grants and secure materials so students can begin the fall semester fully prepared.

鈥淓ngineering Senior Design is a great opportunity to see the equations and practices you learn in school as real-world applications,” said Sammy Oleson ’26. “Although my group is scattered in its engineering concentrations, mechanical, environmental, and civil, we are able to use knowledge from each discipline to aid our problem solving. Each two-week sprint, we set a goal that brings us closer to our long-term project scope, which we plan to complete over the course of two semesters.鈥�

Altogether, EGR 4970 not only strengthens students鈥� technical and collaborative skills but also deepens their understanding of community-centered engineering, showing them firsthand how meaningful, practical and impactful their work can be beyond the classroom.