Schools teach more than basic skills — they (hopefully) prepare the students to deal with the realities of life beyond the campus — in part by helping people in need and working to address pressing societal issues.
Here’s sample of a public-school-based program coordinated by the Bob Moog Foundation, and a roundup of what local colleges do to enlist local students in “service learning” projects. They also partner with organizations needing volunteers.
Bob Moog Foundation
“There’s a misconception in Asheville that the Bob Moog Foundation is part of Moog Music. We’re a small, independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by Bob's family and colleagues; we work on various educational and archival projects. Teaching science through music and bringing history alive for future generations are our passions.” — Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa
What they do: Use the magic of music to teach children and adults about the science of sound. A pilot program, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, involves ten second-grade classes in the Asheville City Schools. Over the next five years, the foundation hopes to expand it nationwide. They also preserve and protect Bob Moog's extensive archives for use in future traveling exhibits and the planned Moogseum.
What they need: Skilled volunteers, grants, partnerships and donations.
Wanna Help? Donations can be made online (www.moogfoundation.org) or by check (The Bob Moog Foundation, P.O. Box 8136, Asheville NC 28814). To volunteer, email volunteer@moogfoundation.org; shop online or sign up for their newsletter at www.moogfoundation.org.
Need help? Interested in having Dr. Bob's SoundSchool at your school? Email info@moogfoundation.org.
The college connection
“Service learning allows students to apply what they are learning in class to the real world, while simultaneously taking what they’re learning in the community — where a lot of the deepest and highest-impact learning occurs — and infusing those lessons into their academic work.” — Britta Volz, associate director, UNCA Key Center
What they do: Give college students opportunities to give back not only to the community that surrounds their school but to communities in need around the world. Service can be volunteer or for class credit.
What they need: Student volunteers; organizations willing to partner with them for varying time periods.
Wanna help? Contact your school’s service-learning agency (see below).
Need help? Contact the agencies below to inquire about possible service-learning partnerships or internships your organization or business could create.
A-B Tech
A-B Tech Service Learning Center
Holly Building, Room 129
Asheville campus
Lloyd Weinberg, service-learning director
254-1921, ext. 7573
Lweinberg@abtech.edu
http://abtech.edu/LRC/service-learning.asp
Mars Hill College
LifeWorks
866-MHC-4-YOU
http://www.mhc.edu/lifeworks
UNCA
Key Center
248 Highsmith University Union
251-6400
keyctr@unca.edu
http://keycenter.unca.edu
Warren Wilson College
Ransom House
771-3065
http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~service/About/About_Service-Learning.php
Western Carolina University
Center for Service Learning
Belk 273
227-7184
servicelearning@wcu.edu
http://www.wcu.edu/9815.asp
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