Community Engagement and Public Service Activities

Students in the Advanced Digital Media Writing (formally called Community News & Information) course participated in a semester long project interviewing community members in the Fairmont Community, an unincorporated area right between Joliet and Lockport, IL.

Students got to know residents, business owners, community activists and educators. Working in teams, they did research, interviewed /filmed subjects and wrote news stories. These stories focused on current issues the community was facing such as clean water resources, waste removal and their community garden/pantry.

These newspackages were highlighted on a website and also aired on Lewis University Television Network, LUTN.

Moving Minds and Muscles (MMM) is a program that partners Lewis University students with Brooks Middle School students to engage and learn together through movement. Lewis "Movement Mentors" partner with middle school students to build relationships and encourage the use of movement to regulate emotions and/or build confidence. MMM is meant to be a proactive approach to increase students' self-efficacy and general wellness.

This is an initiative implemented collaboratively via Exercise Science Program of Lewis University, Brooks Middle School, and in partnership with the Lewis University Community Schools Consortium (LUCSC).

A field trip hosted by Lewis University for Brooks Middle School students. The purpose of the visit was to encourage and motivate students who show risk for increasing absences at school. These students had a chance to interact with current Lewis University students from different academic majors and visit different areas around campus such as the ESports Lounge, Aviation building, and the art gallery. 

In collaboration between Lewis University, Fairmont school and Loaves and Fishes Community Services, a bi-weekly food distribution has been established to provide families of Fairmont students with many food items. 

This special events class partnered with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) to create an event to raise awareness about mental health. There were 22 students who were divided into four groups: Sponsors/Fundraising, Social Media/Promotion, Catering/Decor/Timeline and Entertainment/Budget. The class raised $13,800 for NAMI!

COMM 42000.001 is a mastery - level course for both broadcast journalism, digital media and journalism programs at Lewis University intended to deepen students’ understanding of the overall digital media writing planning process.  It focuses on research, sourcing information, data journalism, diversity and inclusion, covering trauma and ethics. The class is a CEL course and the students partnered with two non profits in the community - Girls & Boys Club of Joliet and Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs. ( ALMAS) Each group produced a podcast, two reels, a photo essay and an interview on "Good Morning Lewis.ry" Each student also wrote an on line story including data journalism, diversity, links and photos.

LUCSC supported collaboration/partnership with Fairmont School and VNA Health to offer the required school physical exams and/or sports physicals and/or required immunizations to Fairmont students in need of these medical services. LUCSC Front Office Student Support staff member and LUCSC Director, in partnership with School Nurse and Office Staff, called over 50 families to provide a referral to this service. This event was meant to increase healthcare access for student wellness.

Marketing Strategy student project - client is Christian Brothers Conference. Project centered on insight and materials to bring modern relevancy and interest to DeLaSalle in the 21st century. What can your team identify and create to make this person around whom an entire educational system was built accessible, fun, and engaging for modern students?

Students in State and Local Government engage with one of the three branches of the White Oak Library District. Example activities include working at library sponsored events, setting up craft activities for younger kids, preparing activities for older kids, and managing library resources.

Students assist with controlling invasive species, seed collection, and support various events at park reserves across the county.

Students will grow vegetables and herbs in the biology department greenhouse that will be used in the preparation of food on campus for events or given to campus food pantry for students.

The Boys Leadership and Growth Conference is an enrichment activity for eighth graders from Valley View School District and Fairmont School District, which features an insightful keynote presentation and numerous workshops led by local community leaders and professionals. This event aims to provide a unique platform for young boys with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 to come together, learn, and grow in an environment that fosters leadership skills and personal development. The target GPA range of 2.5 to 3.5 reflects intention to provide support and guidance to a diverse group of young boys who are at a critical stage in their educational journeys.

An undergraduate student at Lewis University completed her class capstone supporting Bolingbrook High School. Her community engagement included supporting teachers and counselors with a tardy table seeing approximately 50-100 students per day. After checking in at the tardy table, additional check ins were done with students to create and build meaningful relationships to help with retention. Peace circles were also conducted with groups to give students a safe space to reflect and express how they are feeling. Check ins with students that are struggling in their classes or with their peers are also conducted to help students express their feelings. She also supported Bolingbrook High School staff with in school suspension students. 

Project R is a program designed to be an intensive restorative program in which students are referred to participate as alternative to punitive discipline, or for purposes of disciplinary prevention and/or social emotional enrichment. The program promotes student accountability and skill building. Students are provided an opportunity to learn about civic literacy, participate in activities that teach the consequences of rule-breaking, and practice cooperative learning and positive interaction. Through interactive engagement and community building, youth grow critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. 

Fairmont Black History Month Math Night was a celebration of the rich contributions of Black mathematicians and innovators, blending math skills with cultural appreciation. The event featured engaging, hands-on activities that spotlighted historical achievements while making math fun and accessible for students and families. It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, learn, and honor Black history through the lens of mathematics.