Civic Engagement

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. Each year, scholars participate in Alternative Spring Break, traveling in partnership with Habitat for Humanity across the regional southeast United States. 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:

  • American Workday – published book featuring interviews with the American workforce
  • Art exhibit showcasing a musical exploration of U.S. transportation systems
  • Art exhibit featuring state artists and fundraiser for Everybody Eats
  • Aquaponics facility at local high school
  • Beehive installation to promote sustainability in Charlotte
  • Capturing Leadership – middle school service and leadership through photography
  • Charlotte uprising exhibit
  • College readiness workshops and college prep resource center at local library
  • Community garden at UNC Charlotte
  • Construction of calisthenics course on UNC Charlotte’s campus
  • Dismantling racism/leadership development workshops
  • Furniture pipeline from dorm to Restore
  • Garden at assisted living facility
  • Health literacy app for hispanic teens
  • HIV prevention cultural sensitivity training
  • Isometric exercise classes at women’s shelter
  • Kings Mountain Historical Museum storage improvements
  • La Boheme Opera workshop
  • Levine Hall Green Globes certification
  • Mammogram screenings and health education
  • Meteorology broadcasting studio
  • Nature and bird walk for assisted living residents
  • Not In My City – human trafficking prevention awareness and fundraising
  • Patchwork Epiphany – art classes for patients at Levine Children’s Hospital and silent auction
  • Post-partum depression support groups
  • Reedy Creek Park sporting facilities improvement project
  • Service Charlotte – annual community service day in Charlotte
  • STEM kits and training sessions for teachers at local elementary school
  • Therapeutic riding arena reconstruction for children with disabilities at local equestrian center
  • Tutoring for kids in foster care
  • Uncovering Charlotte – multimedia project highlighting the narratives of girls and Black women