It Takes a Village

Elon University’s Engineering in the Village program brings ABSS students together each month for free, hands-on STEM activities that spark creativity and confidence.

Behind Elon's "It Takes A Village Project" are two AmeriCorps VISTAs and recent Elon graduates who work to maintain the success of the program.

For Edward Hernandez ’27, legacy is rooted in family, heritage and community. From leading LHU and El Centro to mentoring future scholars, his Elon journey reflects the power of giving back and the importance of celebrating Hispanic and Latinx voices.

EDU 3540: Early Literacy Birth to 2nd Grade connects Elon teacher candidates with kindergarten through second grade students at Eastlawn Elementary through the It Takes a Village Project.

Through the Village Project’s Big Village program, Elon students Scout Winter ’28 and Jenna Toms ’26 are returning to the schools that once shaped them, joining the 160 volunteers last spring that made a lasting impact on the Alamance-Burlington School System.

As the back-to-school season begins, the Village Project reflects on the students who took home the magic of literacy this summer.

The senior from Burlington, North Carolina, will become the first Elon student to graduate after completing three signature programs designed to increase access to higher education.

Elle Collins currently guides the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program at the University of Florida and will join Elon University in April as executive director of a campus office that helps students from all backgrounds thrive in higher education.

Miranda Tapia '17 prides himself on being able to make a space when there is none for the Latinx/Hispanic community.