For better or worse, our smartphones have become extensions of ourselves. And one of the most defining characteristics of the device is the power to capture photos at any time in any place. But there are still some young people who, despite relying on smartphones most of their lives, seek something more precise, artistic, and professional grade. Meet Ridgley Cannon, a senior at Greenwood Laboratory School. Ridgley is a young talent who impressed us with his classic approach to photography and his heart for service. The images below, taken at the ILL-Abilities performance during the 2023 Public Affairs Conference are just a couple examples of his work: Ridgley's journey into the world of photography began when his father handed him a Nikon D60, igniting a spark that would fuel his creativity for years to come. Outside the classroom, where Ridgley immerses himself in history and science, photography is his passion project. Despite the convenience of cameras embedded in a smartphone, Ridgley prefers the tactile feel of professional equipment, capturing high quality … [Read more...] about High school student explores professional photography as a service-learning project
The Citizenship and Service-Learning office has a long-standing relationship with vision health. In 2013, the office began administering free vision screenings in the community. An estimated 80,000 screenings have taken place over the past 9 years. This program enables service-learning students to get hands-on experience and use high-tech equipment. The program is partnered with the Vision Rehabilitation Center of the Ozarks, where community members who have been flagged for vision issues can receive care. Screenings take place at many locations and events including local daycare facilities and school districts as well as the Salvation Army, Springfield Dream Center, OTC campus, and the annual HOPE Connection event. This semester, the vision screening team can add one more location to its list, the Missouri State campus. As a result of partnering with AmeriCorps this past summer, we are now offering free vision screenings in University Hall and in the Plaster Student Union. A dedicated team of student employees will be stationed at these locations to provide vision … [Read more...] about Service-Learning and AmeriCorps partner to offer free on-campus vision screenings
By Kathy Nordyke The College of Business (COB) is the first college on Missouri State University’s campus to require all COB majors to complete service-learning through the ITC 200 course. The outcomes of this requirement have provided a valuable service to the community and high-impact educational practice for students. Let’s look at the numbers: During the 2021 - 2022 academic year, 1,536 students completed 23,121 hours of service to the community. The total number of students include several high-school dual-credit students. Based on the industry-standard service rate calculator from IndependentSector.org, COB students have generated an estimated value of $629,122.41 in the community. The College of Business and service-learning office are encouraged by these results and hope to see them improve over time. COB students have generated an estimated value of $629,122.41 in the community. Other 1-credit or integrated service-learning courses in the COB include MGT 300, MGT 440, MGT 770, MKT 354, MKT 456 and HID 241. Below is the 2021 – 2022 participation and … [Read more...] about College of Business embraces service-learning methods in 2021-2022