Civic engagement is at the core of the Levine Scholars Program (LSP). Through a commitment to ongoing volunteerism, internships with local nonprofits, grant projects with community partners, and customized curricula, Levine Scholars graduate fully prepared to begin their next chapter as versatile intellects, thoughtful leaders and compassionate humanitarians.
Guided by the mission of the Leon Levine Foundation, scholars continue to find ways to improve the human condition by creating permanent, measurable, life-changing impact. Collectively, Levine Scholars prepare a meal each month at Ronald McDonald House. Through Dance Marathon, an annual fundraiser launched in 2014, scholars have worked with campus and community partners to raise nearly $200,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network and Levine Children’s Hospital. In spring 2017, scholars joined forces with Habitat for Humanity to spend a week in Lewisburg, WV rebuilding homes through the LSP’s first annual Alternative Spring Break trip. The second annual Alternative Spring Break trip took scholars to Roanoke, VA in spring 2018. The third trip was to Chattanooga, TN and the fourth was to Charleston, SC. Scholars have also traveled to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico for May service trips.
One hallmark of the program is the $8,000 civic engagement grant scholars receive to implement projects of their own design in partnership with local nonprofits. From building a natural playground at the local Easter Seals Center to raising resources and awareness on human trafficking to helping refugees acclimate, scholars continue to develop their own strategies for uplifting others in our community. A sampling of scholars’ civic engagement grant projects are listed below: