Elon University Year of Service Fellows: Empowering Alamance County Through Community Engagement

Each year, six seniors from Elon University join the Elon Year of Service Fellows Program. This post-graduate opportunity lets them live and work in Alamance County, giving back to the community they’ve called home during their studies.

Laurie Judge, co-chair of the program, shared that the first group of fellows began in 2015. Now, they celebrate their 10th cohort. While the program welcomes graduates from all majors, many applicants come from biology and public health backgrounds.

Fellows work with various organizations, including the Alamance County Health Department and local initiatives from Impact Alamance, a foundation focused on enhancing life in Alamance County. Initially, the program only had four fellows concentrated solely on healthcare roles.

Looking to the future, Elon plans to expand the program significantly. They aim to double the number of fellows in service-year positions as part of their Boldly Elon plan.

According to Judge, this fellowship not only offers practical experience but also strengthens ties between the university and Alamance County. She noted, “It shows that Elon really cares about being a community partner.” Importantly, about 70% of participants stay in North Carolina after their fellowship, either working or pursuing further studies here.

Fellows receive competitive compensation, earning around $18 an hour. This rate surpasses what many other programs offer, like AmeriCorps and Teach for America.

Meet Abby Lee, one of this year’s fellows. She works with Impact Alamance’s Wellness Collaborative, helping to write grants and organize community events. “It’s amazing to see how something as simple as a basketball court can positively impact a community,” she shared.

Sam Hinton, another fellow, is deeply involved with the Alamance County Health Department. With a focus on public health and political science, Hinton aims to gain first-hand experience in community service. “What I’m looking forward to most is learning from those around me,” they said.

Anna Matawaran also aims to break the “Elon Bubble.” After interning in Alamance County, she realized the importance of local engagement. Now, she works with Impact Alamance on initiatives that empower local leaders. “These projects truly enhance the quality of life for residents,” she noted.

Juliana Buter, graduate in political science, hopes to explore a path in government through her role in Burlington’s economic development. This fellowship is helping her understand the nuances of government and community relations better. “There’s so much detail in the decision-making process,” she observed.

Meanwhile, Aniya Scott, focusing on healthcare administration at Alamance Regional Medical Center, finds the experience invaluable for her future career as a clinician. “Understanding the administrative side is essential for quality patient care,” she explained.

Lastly, Jasmine Walker is committed to making an impact in Alamance County, particularly through her work with Alamance Achieves, a local nonprofit focused on children’s educational success. “I’m excited to support the same children I once was,” she expressed.

This program not only fosters individual growth but also aims to create lasting benefits for Alamance County. By connecting students with their community, it encourages a cycle of service and engagement that can flourish for years to come.

The significance of this fellowship lies not just in personal development, but also in the ripple effect it creates for the community. Engaging with local organizations can lead to tangible changes that enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.

For more about the impact of service programs, you can explore recent studies on their outcomes, such as those by the National Service Agency, which highlight the long-term benefits of community engagement.

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