GCS Students Present at National Service-Learning Conference

Pictured at the National Service-Learning Conference, from the left, are Charlos Banks, executive director of student services and character development; Erin Gamba, junior at Southwest High; Kinza Hussain, junior at Ragsdale High; Meenakshi Immaneni, senior at STEM Early College at N.C. A&T; and Rachel Scott, junior at Southwest High.

Students invited to share experiences as a model for educators around the world

"Greensboro, N.C. – Four Guilford County Schools students spent part of their spring break discussing how they benefit from GCS’ focus on character and service-learning with educators from around the country.

The four students were invited to give a presentation at this year’s National Service-Learning Conference in Minnesota. The conference brings together more than 1,500 national and international attendees who gain the tools, resources, ideas and support to improve their practice, their schools and their communities.

Meenakshi Immaneni, a senior at the STEM Early College at N.C. A&T, along with Kinza Hussain, junior at Ragsdale High, and Erin Gamba and Rachel Scott, both juniors at Southwest High, gave a presentation at the conference titled, “Service-Learning Everywhere!” The presentation highlighted how each student engages in service-learning opportunities in their schools and communities to make a difference as they prepare to move from classroom to college and career.

“It was truly been an honor to be able to attend the National Youth Leadership Council Conference and represent Guilford County Schools and the significant role our community plays in incorporating service learning throughout our clubs, curriculum and community,” says Hussain. “Not only did the conference create new opportunities for myself and others, it was also an unforgettable experience in which I gained an immense amount of knowledge about leadership and youth empowerment.”

Gamba was also invited to serve as the youth emcee at this year’s conference.

“Service learning is a valuable teaching method that extends learning experiences from the classroom out into our communities,” says Charlos Banks, executive director of student services and character development. “Our students are gaining knowledge and skills that will not only prepare them to be active citizens in our community, but also equip them with the tools needed to be successful in their college and career aspirations. We are extremely proud of our young people and have no doubt that they will positively transform our world.”

GCS students who will be in high school next year have the opportunity to continue their service over the summer. GCS is partnering with the Volunteer Center of Greensboro to host a Service-Learning Leadership Camp from June 27 to July 21. The program is designed to empower students to engage in service-learning experiences and impact their community during the summer months. Applications for the camp as well as scholarships for the camp are due by May 18.

Find more information about the Service-Learning Leadership Camp by clicking here.

About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina, serves nearly 72,000 K-12 students at 127 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, GCS works alongside local parents, businesses and colleges to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. Guilford County is also a Say Yes to Education community, giving eligible GCS graduates the opportunity to apply for last-dollar tuition scholarships to attend any 2- or 4-year public institution in North Carolina. Combining choices to meet the individual educational needs for a culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities makes our families say, “GCS, Yes!” For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com."

- A Press Release