Participation in the Community

by Kylie Stone

The Academy for Civic and Entrepreneurial Leadership firmly believes in student involvement within the community. At ACEL we believe that the more a student is involved with the community, the more likely he or she will continue to be involved. There are even times throughout the year where ACEL’s staff and students take a field trip to areas where their assistance is needed. Recently, ACEL helped package and sort food items for distribution at the Community Food Bank in Fresno.

Ultimately, ACEL is trying to make these students feel as if they are a part of something, and ACEL would like to establish this relationship before the students head off to find careers. Therefore, when it comes time for these students to graduate from college and go out and seek their professions, these students will feel attached to Fresno where they donated much of their time. Through participating in the community these students are able to feel a connection.

ACEL not only participates in the community, but also requests participation in the school from the community. Because the staff at ACEL hopes to motivate students to strive for excellence, ACEL tries to get prominent figures from the community, and career professionals to come and speak to the students about their careers.  These guest speakers help motivate the students and guide them toward success.

Another way that ACEL tries to get the community involved is through multiculturalism, which brings the community together around the diverse students in ACEL’s program. One event that ACEL hopes to establish is a multicultural fair where the students can maintain a relationship with the diverse community and participate in multicultural activities.