Program Spotlight: Developing Good Character and Citizenship in Club Members

Scholars with Achievable Goals (SWAG) Youth Leadership Academy, a partnership with the University of Tennessee, aims to instill UT’s Volunteer Values within the youth in our community. Members of our Northwest Middle School Club implemented a service learning project, as part of the service component of SWAG.

Club members brainstormed and decided that Victor Ashe Park, located just down the road from their Club, was the heart of their neighborhood and a park clean-up was a great way to give back to the community. The park serves as the heart of the area where residents enjoy family picnics, walking, and basketball games.

Club members were proud to bring their own contribution to their neighborhood and enjoyed the sense of community bonding. The clean-up had a positive impact on environmental health and increased the well-being of the local ecosystem. Club members said the project gave them a sense of belonging and the feeling that they are never alone in their community.