Spark Program

Spark Community Engagement Award

The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL) Spark Community Engagement Award Program encourages WCU students to actively participate in public life, gain practical skills, deepen their connection to the community, and earn formal recognition for their efforts

Why Participate in the Spark Award?

Explore Approaches to Service: Participate in direct service, civic education, advocacy, and philanthropy.
Build Valuable Skills: Learn how to organize service projects, be an effective volunteer, and advocate for meaningful causes.
Earn Recognition: Receive graduation cords, an official certificate at the annual awards ceremony, and experiences to showcase on your resume. Community
Connection: Help WCU build strong, reliable connections with local community partner organizations

Get Started & View Progress

Make your promise to spark here: "Promise to Spark": Spark Community
Engagement Award Enrollment
Visit engage.wcu.edu and look for events to join to start earning volunteer hours
Receive an invitation to join the Spark Award Canvas course
Track all future Spark Award activities and requirements through Canvas

Spark Community Engagement Award Requirements

This award encourages students to become engaged in community and civic activities through direct service and participation in events. To obtain the award students must complete the following:

Direct Service	Civic Engagement
Complete 50 Hours of Direct Service. Log all 50 Service Hours into Engage.	Attend 5 Civic Education Events. Send a Letter to a Local or State Representative.

1. Direct Service Component

Earn 50 hours of face-to-face, "on-the-ground" direct service work logged into Engage.

What Counts?
- CCESL Days of Service, semester focus area projects, and Alternative
  Service Break trips.
- Designated service-learning course hours.
- Student-developed service projects (e.g., a roadside cleanup).
- Volunteering with local community partners during your college career.
What Does NOT Count?
- Paid activities, internships, caring for a family member, or monetary/item
  donations.
How to Log Service Hours:
- Sign in at engage.wcu.edu.
- Select Service Hours from your profile dropdown.
- Click + Add Service Hours, select your organization (or Center for
  Community Engagement and Service Learning), and submit.
- Once 50 hours are approved, upload a screenshot of your Engage Service
  Hours Dashboard to your Spark Canvas Course or email CCESL.

2. Civic Involvement Component

Engage with civic processes and express your voice on critical community issues.

Part A: Attend 5 Civic Education Events
- Attend 5 events tagged as "Civic Education" in Engage (e.g., facilitated discussions, civic trivia nights, voting law info sessions, or approved virtual
  events).
- You can also attend a local civic event or local governmental meeting.
- In the Canvas course you will complete a 200 word reflection/or video on your experience with a photo of you at the event, submitted along with the date, time, and location.
Part B: Write a Letter to a Representative
- Choose an Issue: Select an issue from CCESL’s 15 Impact Focus Areas
  that falls under the jurisdiction of a local or state representative.
- Research & Write: Craft a respectful, 3-paragraph letter:
- Send & Submit: Send the letter to the representative, then upload a copy
  and representative details into your Engage Spark Pathway.

Spark Community Engagement Award with Distinction Requirements

Once you complete the core Spark Award, unlock the Spark Award with Distinction by taking leadership in philanthropy and education. To obtain the award students must complete the following:

Philanthropy	Advocacy & Education
Host 1 Donation or Item Drive with a Community Organization.	Submit a presentation about one of the CCESL Impact Focus Areas to explain the issue in the WNC region, what local organization address that area, and how WCU students can get involved.

1. Philanthropy Component

Plan and execute one philanthropic event to address a community-identified need.

Process Steps:
1. Identify Need: Choose an organization and contact them to determine fundraising or donation wish-list needs.
2. Plan Logistics: Create an event plan detailing location, outreach/marketing, and volunteer roles.
3. Execute & Deliver: Host the event and coordinate the transfer of collected funds or items to the partner organization.
4. Submit: Fill out the Philanthropic Event Form within your Engage Spark Pathway.

2. Advocacy & Education Component

Create and record a 7–10 minute presentation educating peers on a regional issue in Western North Carolina and reflecting on advocacy strategies. Reference the Spark Guiding Document to view requirments and other information.

Program Optimization & Leadership

Empowering Workshops & Catalyst Mini-Grants

Skill-Building Workshops: Attend year-round CCESL sessions like "How to Organize a Service Project" and "How to Be a Good Volunteer".
Catalyst Mini-Grants: Need financial support for project supplies or local travel? Be on the lookout to apply for the Catalyst Mini-Grants to fund student-led service projects.Become a Spark Ambassador!

Become a Spark Ambassador!

Are you an upperclassman passionate about community impact? Apply to become a
Spark Ambassador and serve as a peer mentor for the next generation of campus
leaders.

Ambassador Responsibilities
- Mentor peers in specialized focus areas (e.g., homelessness, agriculture,
  civic engagement).
- Host supportive workshops and community socials.
- Coordinate and drive group vanpools to direct service sites.
- Lead campus recruitment and outreach through tabling and fairs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Full-time undergraduate student with at least 1 full academic year at WCU.
- Completed at least half of the Spark Award (30+ direct service hours, 3
  civic events, and representative letter submitted).

Once you have completed the Spark Community Engagement Award with Distinction requirements, you will be recognized with the following:

Spark with Distinction Cords to wear at Graduation.
Spark with Distinction Certificate presented at CCESL's Annual Impact Awards Banquet.
Meaningful community impact and cultivating a practice of social responsibility through service.
Valuable experience to list on your resume and discuss with future employers.

Spark Award Requirements. 50 volunteer Hours, 5 civic events. a letter to a local or state representative