Twelve incoming freshmen arrived this week for Elon University's annual Pre-Serve program to give back to the local community before they begin classes in the fall.
Pre-Serve is one of Elon’s First Year Summer Experience programs, designed to provide incoming students with the opportunity to meet other first-year Elon students while engaging in new activities. The Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement coordinates the Pre-Serve program, which gives incoming students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Burlington community by serving at a variety of local agencies.
From June 19-24, Pre-Serve participants have been serving meals at Allied Churches, working with kids at Burlington Housing Authority, visiting residents at Twin Lakes Retirement Community, working with animals at the Burlington Pet Adoption Center, assisting with yard maintenance at Ralph Scott Life Services, building houses with Habitat for Humanity, and working in Elon’s community garden.
Through these experiences, students learn about the important social issues facing the United States and how service can be used as a tool for personal growth and community building.