Jackson State University’s Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning was awarded a $10,000 service-learning grant for financial literacy and access to higher education from the State Farm Southern Zone Youth Advisory Board. The award was presented to the board during a press conference held Sept. 23 at the JSU Student Center.
“During a time of necessary budget cuts, this grant will allow the Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning to continue working toward the mission of engaging faculty members, students and community partners in an endeavor that combines community service with academic learning,” said Valerie Shelby, director of the Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning.
The State Farm Southern Zone Youth Advisory Board is a diverse group of nine young people, including JSU student Lafeyounda Brooks, who were chosen through a competitive process to lead and oversee the company’s service-learning initiative. The board identifies issues, awards competitive grants and provides technical assistance, communication and oversight to grantees. The objective of the grant is to fund student-led service-learning projects in the State Farm Southern Zone, which includes Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina.
“State Farm supports service-learning because it combines service to the community with classroom curriculum in a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility,” said Emily Clark, State Farm public affairs specialist. “The State Farm Southern Zone Youth Advisory Board is a prime example of State Farm’s commitment to education, our community and our youth.”
