Students increase civic engagement through MSU’s March for Service Initiative
This month, Morehead State University students in all majors have opportunities to learn the importance and impact of civic engagement through MSU's March for Service Initiative.
MSU faculty designed community and civic engagement volunteer projects throughout March to increase MSU students' civic engagement while incorporating skills developed within their respective majors. Students will also reflect on what they learned and the overall value of their experience.
On Friday, March 10, MSU students specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) helped develop the skill of civic engagement through two different events.
MSU hosted the Eastern Kentucky TSA Regional Conference. The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) made up of students engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This event was planned and implemented by faculty across the School of Engineering and Computer Science as part of the March to Service initiative.
MSU students provided feedback to middle and high school students from targeted students from regional schools who will present their STEM projects at upcoming state and national competitions. Students also set up and ran various events that tested competitors' abilities to design a CO2-powered "dragster" model, pilot a drone, construct a wooden bridge that can bear weight, and more.
"Volunteering for the TSA competition was a fulfilling experience that gave me the opportunity to be more engaged with my fellow classmates, my instructors, and younger students across Kentucky," said Samuel Peck, a junior majoring in mechanical and manufacturing technology from Frenchburg.
At another event at Lappin Hall, MSU's Department of Mathematics hosted its annual Pi Day celebration, inviting MSU students and Rowan County Schools Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students to a friendly competition to see who could recite the most digits of Pi. The event also included pizza and dessert pies. Activities included teaching students about the value and application of binary and a game featuring factors.
"It is important for Rowan County gifted students to see other people enjoying math. We have enjoyed the day and the opportunity to learn from Morehead State University students," said Genny Jenkins, gifted coordinator and instructor at Rowan County Schools.
"Morehead State University students have the opportunity to be role models and give back to the local community through initiatives such as these," said Andrew Sexton (Class of 2020, 2022), coordinator of service learning coordinating the March to Service Initiative across all majors at MSU. "It is important that we develop well-rounded, engaged citizens as part of the education process."
The March to Service Initiative stems from the Council on Postsecondary Education's Kentucky Graduate Profile. This endeavor ensures that students graduating from Kentucky colleges will develop 10 skills to prepare them for life, including communication, cultural competency and civic engagement.
Community partners interested in working with Morehead State University for future service projects can complete the following survey: https://forms.office.com/r/ZHnqPCvvZy.
To learn more about MSU's Center for Career Development and Experiential Education, visit moreheadstate.edu/career.
Photo, upper right (left to right): Sam Peck of Frenchburg, James Parmley of Sandy Hook and Samuel Lucas of Louisville judged Technology Student Association (TSA) entries from regional high schools and middle schools as part of MSU's March for Service Initiative.
Photo, lower left: Dr. Chris Schroeder (right), professor of mathematics and department chair for the Department of Mathematics, participated in a Pi Day activity with Brigham Cosgriff (left), a student at Rowan County Middle School, during MSU's March for Service Initiative.
