Chandler-Gilbert Community College Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SLCE) Program awarded the 21st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in the category of Volunteer Engagement.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards’ mission is to promote an ethic of service and volunteerism and to recognize volunteer efforts that strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for Arizonans. These awards recognize individuals and groups who have dedicated their hearts, hands, and minds to help strengthen communities and solve persistent problems within Arizona. The Volunteer Engagement category recognizes an organization that provides exemplary opportunities to engage volunteers or AmeriCorps members in advancing the organization’s mission.
The CGC Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SLCE) Team:
- Katie Haar, SLCE Program Supervisor
- Ashley Bouknight, SLCE Program Coordinator
- Tess Dulle, Early Childhood and Teacher Education Placement Coordinator
- Nikita Horn, SLCE Assistant
- SLCE Faulty Liaisons
- Dr. Alisa Beyer, Psychology
- Kerry Gerle, Nursing
- Buzzy Sullivan, Photography
The award recognized the team's overall mission to support students by getting them connected and involved in the community but also highlighted the “CommUNITY” volunteer series that the program has organized and implemented. These opportunities are offered to all students at least three times a month. The program coordinates the dates, times, and non-profit organization being served. There is intentional design to mix days of the week, and times of the day to help more students find availability and be able to volunteer. These opportunities also provide transportation to and from campus to help students that may have transportation barriers. Providing these monthly opportunities has helped minimize anxiety for some students that have never done volunteerism before and were not sure where to start. All they have to do is sign up and show up, and they will be supported by CGC staff and other CGC students during their experience.