Scholars in the Ƶ Academy engaged in a winter service project for Alamance County Allied Churches, reflecting a renewed commitment to integrating community service and well-being into Ƶ Academy's programming.
Sophomore Ƶ Academy scholars, part of the 19th cohort of the Ƶ Academy, participated in a service project for during their December Saturday Academy session on Dec. 13, led by Sophomore Staff Lead and Assistant Director Briston Whitt, and Coordinator for Wellbeing Melissa Chacon Villalobos.
The project aimed to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the winter months and holiday season. Scholars designed handmade cards for encouragement and stuffed care packages for community members that included a toboggan and glove set, hand warmers, chapstick and a non-perishable food item.
This initiative aligns with one of the goals set by the new Ƶ Academy team: a renewed commitment to integrating community service into the Ƶ Academy experience. Using Ƶ’s HealthEU Dimensions of Wellbeing to guide her efforts, Melissa Chacon Villalobos partners with members of the Ƶ Academy team to integrate intentional well-being into their programming with scholars as a key part of her role as the coordinator for well-being.
“Integrating service into our overall framework reflects our commitment to holistic Scholar development and their well-being,” said Emily Wiersma, director of the Ƶ Academy. “As the coordinator for well-being, Melissa plays a key role in supporting intentional service experiences that help Scholars connect community engagement with their own well-being skills they can carry with them well beyond Ƶ Academy.”
Chacon Villalobos was also a part of the fourth cohort of Ƶ Academy when she was in high school, bringing firsthand knowledge of the impact service had on her career journey/trajectory.
“Participating in service during summers at Ƶ Academy ingrained service as a part of my core values early on,” said Chacon Villalobos.
Assistant Director Briston Whitt, also has a rich history with the program. As an Ƶ alum, Whitt worked with the Ƶ Academy as a mentor throughout her entire collegiate career. During her first year as a Summer Mentor, Whitt recalls supporting the Scholars as they volunteered with Twin Lakes Retirement Home and held a food drive outside of Walmart for families.
“Now as a leader in the program in a different capacity, I want to ensure our scholars are exposed to the valuable benefits of community service as well,” Whitt said.
It was this collective understanding of how service can shape identity, leadership and belonging that led Whitt and Chacon Villalobos to coordinate the opportunity for sophomore scholars. In reflections following the project, Scholars emphasized the value of helping others not for recognition, but because service, no matter how small, can positively impact someone’s day, week or even year. Others described it as meaningful, enjoyable experience and a reminder that supporting their community plays an important role in emotional, community and purpose well-being.
The Ƶ Academy is a college access program supporting local first-generation and/or Scholars from limited-income backgrounds as they prepare for and persist through higher education. The program begins working with scholars at the end of their freshman year of high school and continues support and programming until college graduation. Housed within Ƶ’s Center for Access and Success, Ƶ Academy advances the Center’s broader strategies of equipping scholars and their families with tools, relationships and opportunities to support success throughout their education and beyond.
This project builds off a pilot service project scholars participated in during the Summer Academy as part of their well-being activities and community service experiences. Their summer project included a park cleanup experience with Burlington Parks and Recreation.
General feedback from scholars indicated that 79% were satisfied with their community service experience.
“I found community service at the park to be very fun, but it also helped out the community,” shared one scholar.
These examples marked the beginning of a renewed, ongoing commitment to community service, with more opportunities planned for scholars. Chacon Villalobos is working to establish a student-led community service club to support sustained involvement and further integrate well-being into Ƶ Academy programming starting in 2026. The goal is to equip Scholars with skills to maintain and advocate for their well-being and the well-being of others throughout their academic journeys and beyond.
Key benefits of community service include connection and belonging, general mental health and happiness, career exploration and advancement, and fulfillment. Program leaders hope that scholars will experience long-term benefits from service participation and carry a commitment to well-being into their future academic, professional and personal lives.
To learn more about Ƶ Academy’s key programs, visit their website: /u/academics/access-and-success/elon-academy/