CFGC aims to enhance student involvement through new initiative
Waynesburg University is inevitably entwined physically, economically and personally with Greene County.
And yet, the institution is often viewed as an entirely separate entity from the surrounding community.
During the summer of 2014, the university became a part of the Bonner-High Impact Initiative.
Together with community partners, representatives from the school began unfolding a plan to help organizations in the community and students on campus feel like a united force.
Now, it’s time to put that plan into action.
One of the first steps in what will hopefully be a long and fruitful project is to introduce students to the many businesses and organizations in Waynesburg and Greene County so that a mutually beneficial relationship may be formed.
The Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC) is one such organization.
Bettie Stammerjohn, executive director of CFGC, hopes that through the Bonner-High Impact Initiative, students can donate their talents to the foundation while benefiting from the experiences the foundation offers them.
According to Stammerjohn, the CFGC is a charitable, nonprofit organization that works to better Greene County by initiating and assisting with various community programs and managing funds to help with community needs.
“We work with people to help them maximize their charitable goals,” said Stammerjohn.
“And meet the needs of the Greene County community – not just for today, but for generations to come – through grants to nonprofits and scholarships.”
The foundation currently manages more than 65 funds created by various donors. It awards hundreds of thousands of dollars from these funds each year in the form of scholarships and grants to support community projects and individuals.
They also oversee several ongoing initiatives, such as the Community Builders Nonprofit Leadership program and Greene County Food Security Partnership.
The foundation has an existing relationship with the university that is fruitful on both ends.
“CFGC has a great partnership with the university,” said Stammerjohn.
“We’ve often worked together to identify issues and needs in the community, and the university has always been willing to provide space for community meetings and activities.”
In the past, the CFGC has had student help on projects such as designing brochures and websites, writing press releases and helping to raise funds.
“We’ve had student interns who have developed graphic designs as part of a branding for the Community Builders program,” said Stammerjohn.
“Some students have spent a few hours redesigning brochures that highlight some of our endowed funds, others have spent a semester writing press releases, and designing other marketing materials for the foundation.”
However, Stammerjohn feels that student involvement in the foundation could be greatly increased.
Many students are not aware of the real-world experiences that the foundation could offer them while they act as servants for the community.
“There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes of nonprofit organizations, and students can benefit from volunteering and serving in administrative capacities by sharing some of the skills they are learning in the classroom and using them for real-world activities,” said Stammerjohn.
“Most of us learn best by doing, and I think the High Impact Initiative positions students to do just that.”
While Stammerjohn emphasized the importance of direct service, such as working with youth and participating in service trips, she hopes to make students aware of capacities they can serve in that may be major-related.
“We do offer students an opportunity for hands-on practice of skills such as communications, graphic design, journalism, nonprofit management, event planning, social research, and probably others that we haven’t yet discovered,” said Stammerjohn.
“I hope that’s one good thing that comes out of (the High Impact Initiative).”
As the head of an organization with a vested interest in the wellness of the community, Stammerjohn believes that the Bonner-High Impact Initiative will open the door for students to not only become a part of the community, but also to change it.
“The (initiative) will provide so many more opportunities for student service and outreach into the community,” said Stammerjohn.
“I’m excited to see High Impact Initiative take service to a new level with Waynesburg University.”