Steven Washington
Major: Political Science (graduated Dec. '12)
High School: Canyon Springs High School (Las Vegas)
Engelstad Scholar Partner: Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy
Explain your service work with Agassi Prep.
Most of my time in the elementary school is dependent on where I am needed for the day. Some days I help classes use the community library. Other days I help tutor students one-on-one, monitor classes, assist teachers in the classroom, assist the administrators, and oversee students at lunch and recess.
What has been your most rewarding experience at Agassi?
My favorite experience is working with students who are struggling to understand a concept and watching the expression on their face change when they finally understand how to do what is being asked of them.
The program has helped round out my college experience. It has allowed me to put what I've learned in the classroom into practice and has reminded me that there is always work to be done to help others.
Anything you learned from the experience that you didn't expect to?
One thing that I've learned is just how candid students can be and how aware they are of the world around them. Many students have the ability to see the world for what it is and are knowledgeable about what it should be.
Why should people volunteer?
There are many reasons people should volunteer, but perhaps the most important reason is that it benefits our community. By helping our community become the best, we in turn benefit as we realize new skills and hone old ones. It's a circular pattern - as the community grows and benefits, so do we.
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About the Engelstad Scholars Program
The Engelstad Family Foundation pledged more than $12 million in 2009 to create the Engelstad Scholars program. It funds full scholarships for select undergraduate students who meet academic and financial-need criteria and who perform 100 hours of community service each year. The program is the largest scholarship endowment pledge in the university's history.
Kris Engelstad McGarry, trustee of the Engelstad Family Foundation, describes the scholarship as both an investment in the community and a testament to the generosity of those who came before.
"My father was a scholarship recipient -- someone else's generosity enabled him to attend college and gave him a head start in life," she said during the program's announcement. "Now, in his honor, our family has the opportunity to continue that tradition by 'paying it forward.' Students will learn the importance of giving back and having an impact in the community."
Students receive $5,000 each year for up to four years, allowing them to focus more on school rather than work. They also connect with such community agencies as the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, Boys & Girls Club, Goodie Two Shoes, Opportunity Village and Three Square.
