Over the past 10 years, more than 200 51吃瓜黑料 students have logged nearly 45,000 hours of community service at two dozen local non-profits. Impactful numbers for sure. What鈥檚 even more impressive? They鈥檙e all a part of a single program.
51吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Engelstad Scholars 鈥 the largest active scholarship program on campus 鈥 marked its 10th anniversary Nov.8 with a morning of service events throughout Southern Nevada followed by a recognition ceremony on campus. The program was established in 2009 by The Engelstad Foundation as part of a $12.6 million endowment to 51吃瓜黑料. The gift isn鈥檛 just the largest active scholarship at 51吃瓜黑料; it鈥檚 also the biggest in the history of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
51吃瓜黑料 undergraduates from more than 40 Southern Nevada high schools have been awarded the scholarship over the past decade, which includes $5,000 each year to students who maintain their eligibility. As part of the scholarship, students complete 100 hours of community service annually with a partner nonprofit organization.
鈥淭his program, made possible by the generosity of the Engelstad Foundation and trustee Kris Engelstad McGarry, has made a profound impact at 51吃瓜黑料 and in our community over the past decade,鈥 said 51吃瓜黑料 President Marta Meana. 鈥淭he program鈥檚 motto 鈥榮cholarship, leadership, and service鈥 has grown into a deeply held set of values for Engelstad Scholars, and it has revealed career pathways that they may not have otherwise seen.鈥
That鈥檚 true for Robert Vargas, '17 BS Biology, a former Engelstad Scholar and current 51吃瓜黑料 School of Medicine student.
鈥淚 liked the regimen of the program,鈥 said Vargas, who as an Engelstad Scholar volunteered with Project 150, which provides clothes, school supplies, and hygiene products to homeless high school students. 鈥淚 remember listening to (foundation trustee) Kris Engelstad McGarry telling us in the beginning, and she always says this, that we should pay it forward. Volunteering solidified my desire to help others. It鈥檚 part of who I am.鈥
In addition to the service component, students engage in peer mentoring throughout their time in the program. Students progress from mentees to mentors, earning valuable leadership skills they carry with them beyond their time on campus.
"The Engelstad Scholars Program is more than just the wonderful opportunities it provides our scholars; it is defined by the community of compassionate and driven students, collaborative nonprofit partners, and supportive university staff members,鈥 said program coordinator Leanne Soter. 鈥淚t is a collective brought together through a desire to create a positive impact in the Vegas valley."
