Students in the Class of 2010, newly arrived on campus, will be rolling up their sleeves and getting to work right away — not only in the classroom, but also in the community.
More than 1,000 freshmen will volunteer their time Sept. 2, to paint, landscape, clean and beautify 12 area public schools to make the school year more enjoyable for students and their teachers.
It’s all part of the eighth annual Service First, an initiative that introduces first-year University students to community service in the St. Louis area.
This year’s projects will range from painting indoor and outdoor murals, maps on playgrounds and other painting activities, to creating bulletin boards and preparing classrooms. The bulk of the work will take place from 1-4 p.m.
“Service First is popular among the students and schools alike for good reason,” said Stephanie Kurtzman, director of the Community Service Office and associate director of the Richard A. Gephardt Institute for Public Service. “It’s such a bright, colorful day and is a great opportunity to build friendships, make a meaningful contribution to our neighboring schools and begin the commitment to community service.”
Upon returning to the University after a day of work, students will participate in a Community Service Fair and barbecue featuring more than 30 student-run organizations that focus on community service. It allows students to learn more about opportunities in which to get involved during their time at college.
Service First is co-sponsored this year by St. Louis Public Schools, The Women’s Society of Washington University, Student Union and Congress of the South 40, among many others.
Service First began in 1999 with about 600 student volunteers helping to clean and beautify scenic trails. It has grown and flourished every year, and now typically involves more than 1,000 students, staff and faculty volunteers.
Schools to be visited this year are Bishop Middle School in the Wellston School District; Washington/Euclid Montessori schools; Clay, Columbia, Farragut, Kennard, Oak Hill and Walbridge elementary schools; Fanning, Humbolt and Stowe middle schools; and Roosevelt High School.
For more information, call Kurtzman at 935-5066.