By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Missouri Western State University strives to provide students several applied learning opportunities to help in their future success
But one important tie into the Applied Learning program is giving students volunteer opportunities in the community.
Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says giving students the opportunity to get out and volunteer is a great addition to the university's applied learning programs
"Getting our students out to see the impact that they can make as young adults in our community, to make it look better, to make it a better place for people to live, and to create that sense of community which is so important," Kennedy tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr.
Kennedy says when you take the applied learning and mix it with volunteerism it helps put students ahead and gives them a competitive edge.
Kennedy says she's seen more of a focus on the importance of volunteering in the community.
"You know we have our football players that are going into the elementary schools and reading books or doing whatever kinds of activities, it is important, and I think as a community we're really coming together to see the value of that," Kennedy says. "And I'm just pleased that our students have that experience."
Kennedy says when you can get students who continue to volunteer it shows the impact that has on not only the student, but the community.