Imani honors Waynesburg University for leadership in service education
The Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh presented its 2015 Leadership in Service Education Award to Waynesburg University on Sept. 26 at the 13th annual Imani Gala.
A private school for students in grades pre-K through12, Imani works to transform the lives of inner-city children by improving their literacy and academic skills, teaching self-discipline and developing character.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Imani Christian Academy through this award,” said Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee. “Imani is a shining example of an institution transforming lives.”
Waynesburg University’s tradition of service learning has been established over time, resulting in strong programs that integrate faith and service with academics, preparing students not only for careers but also to be agents of positive change in their communities and the world.
Through partnerships with more than 40 local, regional and international service agencies, Waynesburg University students, faculty and staff contribute at least 50,000 hours of service learning and community/civic engagement hours annually.
Each year, hundreds of students dedicate their fall, winter, spring and summer breaks to service. Through university-organized trips, students travel the world and serve others, utilizing skills they have gained within their classes.
For more than a decade, students have been volunteering at The Pittsburgh Project (TPP). Assisting Pittsburgh homeowners with home improvements and volunteering as tutors with an after-school mentoring program, students serve TPP on weekend retreats as well as week-long service experiences.
Additionally, Waynesburg is one of only 21 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service. This scholarship program offers financial assistance to selected students with a high level of demonstrated financial need in return for a commitment to service while enrolled at Waynesburg.
The Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership, another unique scholarship opportunity, enables young women to study and serve abroad. Recently, recipients have studied and served on environmental stewardship initiatives in Costa Rica and Australia, instructed English classes in Peru, taught mathematics in Sri Lanka and built clean water wells in India.