Service
Civic engagement is one of the foundations of the Park Scholar experience. Through involvement in individual and group volunteer activities, Park Scholars improve the lives of others on campus, in Raleigh, and throughout the country and the world. These fundamental experiences in leadership and service establish the trajectory for Park Scholars to become influential public servants and dynamic leaders of industry and education.
Civic Engagement Initiatives
Civic Engagement Initiatives introduce Park Scholars to community needs and the ways in which local agencies operate to address those needs. Working in small groups, students collaborate with nonprofit and governmental organizations and take an active role in developing creative strategies and implementing solutions for issues ranging from homelessness to domestic violence.
Service Raleigh
Service Raleigh is NC State’s largest student-run philanthropic project. The event was first launched in 1998 as a collaborative effort between Park Scholars and Student Government. Service Raleigh has grown to include more than 2,000 volunteers and generates approximately 6,000 hours of community service each year to benefit residents of the greater Wake County area. Projects range from labeling storm drains with the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation to collecting and distributing food with the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.
Service Advisory Committee
The Park Scholarships Service Advisory Committee provides guidance to the Park Scholarships staff in the planning and evaluation of the first-year service experience. The committee is comprised of Park Scholars, community leaders, and faculty.
- Natalie Cooke
Park Scholar, Class of 2010 - Brad Davis
Vice President of Development, Triangle YMCA - Julie Grossman
Assistant Professor, Soil Science - Ian Hill
Park Scholar, Class of 2013 - Kristin Murphy
Market Researcher, SAS - Sharene Pierce
Supervisor, Progress Energy and Park Scholar, Class of 2001 - Krystal Smith
Park Scholar, Class of 2014 - Greg Wilson
Park Scholar, Class of 2010 - Joy Tongsri (ex officio)
Associate Director, Park Scholarships
Krispy Kreme Challenge
The Krispy Kreme Challenge is an annual tradition at NC State. The event, founded and led by Park Scholars, is a race that's best described by the numbers: 5 miles, 12 donuts, 60 minutes or less.
The Challenge is more than a gastric and physical endurance test; however, last year's event raised more than $184,000 for the NC Children's Hospital. What started with 10 individuals has grown to 8,000 participants. Plans are already underway for next year's race.