SLCC Thayne Center Given National Honor

The Thayne Center for Service & Learning was named to the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll because of its civic engagement work with students, faculty, and community partners. The Thayne Center has received this recognition every year since the Honor Roll was created in 2006.

The Corporation for National and Community Service’s Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. The Thayne Center was recognized by the highest levels of the federal government for its commitment to service and civic engagement.

In 2011-2012, the Thayne Center engaged 7,185 student volunteers in 166,130 hours of service in our community. SLCC students in 217 academic service-learning classes, 5,276 students served 77,485 hours in the community. “Students in service learning classes had the profound experience of applying their knowledge and skills, making the College’s curriculum relevant to the most pressing needs in our community,” said Gail Jessen, Thayne Center for Service & Learning director.

The SLCC Thayne Center for Service & Learning is taking students on two alternative spring break trips the week of March 17.

One group will be going to Seattle, Washington to work with non-profits focused on environmental restoration projects. The other will travel to Kanab, Utah to Work with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for abandoned and endangered animals.  The Kanab trip is fully accessible for students with disabilities.

Alternative Spring Break is a national program where colleges and universities organize drug and alcohol-free trips for students that want to travel during their fall or spring breaks. Since 1999, the Thayne Center has organized over 25 Alternative Spring Break trips.  

Participants have traveled to 12 states, including New York, Hawaii, Colorado, and Washington. Alternative Spring Break at SLCC challenges students to learn about social issues, such as poverty and homelessness, and empowers them to personally make a difference through volunteering.  

Some of the results students see as a result of participation in Alternative Spring Break trips are: improved critical thinking, reflective thinking skills, and leadership skills. Eighty percent of ASB participants identified at least five social issues critical to the spring break site community, listing both the community’s assets and challenges.

ASB Link:

http://www.slcc.edu/thaynecenter/asb.aspx