By Slayten Carter
MACON – The Service Scholars track of Mercer's University Honors Program partnered with the Macon Housing Authority and United Way of Central Georgia on April 1 to conduct a community improvement survey in the Tindall Heights neighborhood near the Macon campus.
The results of the survey, which was a component of the Service Scholars' annual spring weekend retreat, will be used to map out the priorities current residents have for community redevelopment, along with feedback from upcoming neighborhood forums.
Before canvassing the area, students gathered in Connell Student Center to learn about the history of Tindall Heights and receive instructions on how to conduct a community survey. Teams of students and community leaders then went door to door to speak with neighborhood residents.
“Conducting this survey is a wonderful way for Mercer students to leave campus, become more acquainted with Macon and participate in research that can have an impact in setting a direction for community improvement,” said Dr. Mary Alice Morgan, senior vice provost for service-learning. “This project embodies two key goals of the Service Scholars program and Mercer's Quality Enhancement Plan – civic engagement and research.”
The Service Scholars track was founded in 2000 upon the belief that gifted, motivated college students bring vision, energy, intellect and hope to local and global communities.
Each year, approximately 15 entering students are invited to become Mercer Service Scholars. They are selected based on their commitment to service and leadership as well as outstanding academic performance. Service Scholars take selected classes together, form bonds with one another and learn how to become change agents in the world. The University also provides funds to send Service Scholars, who have met eligibility requirements, on Mercer On Mission service-learning programs abroad, tuition-free.
For more information, visit community.mercer.edu/leadership/service-scholars.
