Learning Objective #1: Discuss the contributions of community service opportunities in the promotion of student leadership

Learning Objective #2: Develop a strategy for utilizing community service as a vehicle for promoting student leadership

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Though there are many traditional methods by which students can learn leadership skills, capitalizing on a community-based curriculum and a service mission can provide students unique opportunities to become community leaders. The School of Nursing has operated a nurse managed “center without walls” for over 10 years which relies heavily on student participation. The recent creation of a community based curriculum requires community involvement at each level, exposing students to a number of leadership opportunities. In addition, the implementation of a total school enrollment program in the National Nursing Student Association (NSNA) has provided a vehicle for students to initiate volunteer community service activities.

A community approach to education has exposed students to the needs of diverse and under-served populations. Students can then organize and implement strategies to assist targeted communities. As students learn about the community, its health needs and resources, they are also developing critical thinking, autonomy, and leadership skills. For example, through the NSNA, students have created “Project Wash” to prevent skin rashes on migrant children who were exposed to pesticides from their parents' clothing. Students arrange screenings, participate in cancer walks, and conduct community educational sessions. They have assumed leadership roles at the state and national level of NSNA, and have received recognition for their activities. Faculty can learn how to provide unique leadership opportunities for students at all levels by utilizing community service activities. While others have written of the advantages of Community Based Curricula the additional components of community service and professional involvement serve to facilitate leadership development.