What's Happening?
Washington and Lee University's Community-Based Learning (CBL) program has placed a new cohort of students with local nonprofits and businesses in Rockbridge County for the summer. This initiative aims
to provide mutual benefits, allowing local organizations to receive skilled support for projects while students gain practical experience and a deeper connection to the community. Interns were assigned to various organizations, including Main Street Lexington, Rockbridge Conservation, Rockbridge Rock Steady Boxing, and the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce. The projects undertaken by the students were designed to enhance the capacity and impact of these local entities. For instance, Simmons Lee ’27 worked with Main Street Lexington on social media content, grant research, and event assistance. Mary Catherine Colo ’27 at Rockbridge Conservation focused on overhauling trail management documentation and mapping water monitoring programs. Courtney Schmidt ’28 at Rockbridge Rock Steady Boxing assisted with coaching, progress assessments, and grant research for safety equipment. Molly Coman ’27 at the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce contributed to event planning, strategic initiatives, and the creation of a countywide resource guide. The program emphasizes developing professional skills, effective workplace communication, and community building among students.
Why It's Important?
This community-based learning program is significant for several reasons. For the local organizations in Rockbridge County, it provides invaluable human resources, enabling them to tackle projects that might otherwise be delayed due to limited staff and bandwidth. This direct support helps these nonprofits and businesses expand their reach and effectiveness within the community. For Washington and Lee University students, the program offers hands-on experience that complements their academic studies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This experiential learning is crucial for career development, allowing students to develop professional skills, understand the intricacies of nonprofit operations, and engage directly with community needs. Furthermore, the program fosters a stronger relationship between the university and the local community, promoting civic engagement and mutual understanding. It also helps students like Simmons Lee, Mary Catherine Colo, Courtney Schmidt, and Molly Coman to explore potential career paths and develop a sense of civic responsibility, contributing to the local economy and social fabric.
What's Next?
The Community-Based Learning program at Washington and Lee University is expected to continue nurturing and expanding its collaborative relationships between the university and the community. The Office of Community-Based Learning plans to offer another set of impactful internships in subsequent summers, indicating a sustained commitment to this model of experiential education. Future cohorts of students will likely engage with a diverse range of local organizations, addressing evolving community needs and contributing to various sectors. The ongoing success of the program will depend on continued partnerships with local nonprofits and businesses, as well as the university's ability to attract and prepare students for these roles. The resource guide developed by Molly Coman for the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce is slated to anchor the chamber's website relaunch in January, with a printable version also in the works, demonstrating tangible, lasting outcomes from the internships. The program's long-term impact will be measured by the continued growth of community capacity and the professional development of its student participants.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate benefits, this program highlights a broader trend in higher education towards integrating community engagement and experiential learning into academic curricula. It underscores the ethical dimension of university-community partnerships, where institutions leverage their resources to support local development while providing students with meaningful, real-world experiences. This model can foster a deeper understanding among students of societal challenges and the role of local organizations in addressing them, potentially inspiring future careers in public service or nonprofit sectors. The program also subtly addresses the importance of local economies and community resilience, as student contributions help strengthen the operational capabilities of small businesses and nonprofits. From a cultural perspective, these internships help students immerse themselves in the local culture and history of Rockbridge County, fostering a sense of belonging and civic pride. This initiative serves as a model for how educational institutions can be active, beneficial partners in their surrounding communities, moving beyond traditional academic roles to become catalysts for local growth and development.
