Local Student Tanner Alger ’25 Maps a Path Toward Digital Access Focused on Mahaska, Poweshiek, and Tama Counties.
Service and Social Innovation News

An introduction of º£½ÇÉçÇøºÚÁϳԹÏ's inaugural social innovator in residence.

Sarah Smith, director of Outreach Programming and Events, discusses her role at º£½ÇÉçÇøºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï and her connections to the community.

Students at º£½ÇÉçÇøºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï have been putting their passion for animals into action through a collaboration with the Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS), a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals. In partnership with PALS, º£½ÇÉçÇøºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï students have been socializing and helping dogs learn basic manners in order to give them a better chance of finding loving, forever homes.

Monica Sanders, the inaugural Social Innovator in Residence, will be in residency March 24 – May 10. Her residency is a keystone of º£½ÇÉçÇøºÚÁϳԹÏ’s commitment to advancing social justice and civic engagement, providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful community impact.
In collaboration with the College’s Office of Civic Education and Innovation, many faculty members have implemented community-engaged aspects into their courses. Community-engaged learning (C-EL) classes were the vision of Wadzanai Motsi-Khatai ’12, who championed a student government initiative that ultimately led to the establishment of the Civic Education and Innovation (CEI) Office within the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS).
This summer, a collaboration of 18 AmeriCorps members, connected and facilitated through the º£½ÇÉçÇøºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Education Partnership, has expanded the capacity of 7 community partner organizations.
Through the program, students will have the chance to engage with inspiring leaders who are making an enduring difference in the world, fostering interdisciplinary creativity, and promoting civic engagement and systemic change. Applications open until Aug. 14, 2024.Â

Sanders brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the initiative. The initiative represents a pivotal milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and driving meaningful societal change.
Students, faculty, and staff passionate about civic action and community engagement are invited to discuss and learn during Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compact’s annual Civic Action Academy.