Word of the Public Service Scholars program has spread like wildfire since its inception in 2003, program officials say.
Despite extensive requirements, the 1,000th service scholar recently enrolled in the program.
Students in the program are required to perform a minimum of 300 hours of public service, complete one service-learning class and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
Eileen Hannan, the coordinator of the program, said reaching this milestone says a lot about the role of the program in the community and beyond.
"The elevated awareness of the program shows that public service is important to students at UNC," she said.
Senior Sarah Plastino, a Public Service Scholar, said she thinks the increase in membership speaks well about how students perceive the work of service scholars.
"I think it's a way for students to really understand how successful the program has been," she said. "It's like the program has almost become a norm on campus."
Along with increasing enrollment, the number of students who graduate as Public Service Scholars also has increased.
The first graduating class of scholars, the class of 2005, consisted of 15 students. That number has grown to 97 students who expect to graduate with the honor in May.
Even though the number of participants has increased dramatically, Hannan said there has been no need for additional staff.
Junior Adam Szymanowski is a Public Service Scholar, and he said he thinks the program's rapid expansion is a good measure of the overall involvement of UNC students.
"I just think it attests to how well-run it is and all the opportunities they provide you with," he said.
Because of the number of participants, some of the program's policies had to be modified over the years.
Hannan said that at first, students were required to take two service-learning classes, but now only one class is required.
The program's increased popularity strained the resources of the APPLES Service Learning Program, which offers many of the University's service-learning courses.
Hannan said officials made the change to one required service-learning course to reduce the pressure on APPLES.
Many students involved in the service scholars program also participate in programs sponsored by APPLES, including alternative Spring Break trips.
This year the program has one international trip and four domestic trips, each consisting of about 13 people. Students travel to various locations to work to improve the communities.
Plastino will be leading a group of 10 students to Mexico for the week as part of the first international Spring Break trip offered.
She said participating in public service has been a large part of her life since high school.
She said the service programs offered at UNC gave her more opportunities to get involved in the community.
"Being involved in public service keeps life interesting and gives an element of worth to whatever it is you're doing."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
