ATHENS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Concord University Bonner Scholarship Program saw participants completing 12,159 service hours over the summer at thirty-eight sites in West Virginia and worldwide.
The thirty-eight students’ total hours amounted to a $318,008 economic impact as part of the program, which Bonner Scholarship Program Director, Kathy Ball explains in greater detail.
“The Bonner Scholarship provides funding to give students an opportunity to continue their service work and have in-depth experiences with programs and agencies in their communities during the summer months. Scholars can also choose to use funds for other significant experiences, such as international service trips. Summer service is a major component of our program and can be one of the most impactful parts of a student’s experience as a Bonner scholar.”
One of the participants in the service practices over the summer was Health Science major and Concord University sophomore, Josi Ervin worked in Greenbrier County as a youth camp counselor over the summer as part of her Bonner Scholarship experience. There, she restocked and cleaned cabinets, cleaned dishes, ran laser tag, the zip line, and ropes course, and helped put kayakers on the river.
“I absolutely loved working there as I got to watch kids come in and really just be kids with no other worries,” said Ervin. “I really felt like it made a difference as I got to serve others all summer!”
A Concord Business Management Senior, Raheem Baptiste worked as assistant coach for the St. David’s Football Club over the summer in St. David, Grenada, where he assisted with management of equipment, planning of sessions for the children, overseeing of the team roster, and mentoring of participating athletes. During this time, the area experienced the impact of Hurricane Beryl which had a substantial impact on several neighboring islands.
As such, the football club participants volunteered their time and energy to assisting with the distribution of essential household items and the cleaning up of impacted neighborhoods.
“I didn’t plan to go back home for the summer, but I ended up going, and I was there at a time when people were in need,” said Baptiste. “I see that as timing and God.”
Additional information on the Bonner Scholarship Program can be attained by reaching out the bonner@concord.edu or by visiting the Concord University website.
