Community Service turns its focus to Education
Each HBCU performs 50 hours of service in the community -- 5,000 hours as the HCASC-wide goal!
Community Service is an important part of the qualification process for the HCASC National Championship Tournament. For the 2011-12 season, our focus is on mentoring and training high school, middle school, elementary school students plus those in worthwhile education-related programs such as Head Start.
For the fall 2011 term, HBCU students, volunteers, alumni and program staff have a shared goal to perform 5,000 hours of education related community service. Each HBCU will be required to commit just fifty hours of service, but when added together, those hours plus hours of service by others in the program will make a material difference in communities around the country.
Progress will be graphically tracked at HCASC.com. The number of people you involve in your project is flexible. As examples, you might have:
- 10 students/staff/alumni giving 2 hours one day per week for 5 weeks contributes 100 hours
- 20 students/staff/alumni giving 5 hours on one day contributes 100 hours
- 100 students/staff/alumni giving just 3 hours to a project contributes 300 hours
How will we reach our goal?
Institutions and individuals may partner with schools or other 501(c)(3) non-profit education-related organizations to assist with current programs. You may choose to join an existing effort with another department or organization on your campus. Or, you may create a new service opportunity. HBCUs in close proximity may collaborate on a community service project. However you perform your service, your group must be identified by the name Honda Campus All-Star Challenge.
What are some examples of projects?
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge “Get On the Move” – Coordinate with a middle school or elementary school to provide physical activities during the school day, after school or for a weekend event to help change the way students think about nutrition and physical activity. http://www.letsmove.gov/
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge “Trike-a-Thon” – Partner with your local Head Start to raise funds and get these babies moving. http://www.fundraising-ideas.org/DIY/trike.htm
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge “Winter Wishes” – Coordinate a holiday activity with your local YMCA or after school program to mentor children through activities, games, snacks, gift-giving and other interaction.
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge “Mentor Me” – Serve as substitute teachers, mentors and general helpers at your local daycare, elementary or middle school.
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge “Tutoring Time” – Serve a local high school or organization after hours to offer homework help, etc.
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge “Future Stars Training Camp” – Bring high school and junior high school academic team competitors to your campus to train with your team. Work on their skills and recruit future HCASC players.
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge “Book Club” – Set up regular reading and discussion dates with young children.
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge “Overnight Mentoring/Parents Night Out” - Coordinate a sleepover activity with a local Boys & Girls Club. The HCASC members provide snacks, games, fun and fellowship while mentoring the participants.
What is required?
- Join with a school or other 501(c)(3) non-profit education-related partner organization to work on an existing project or create a mentor or education-related project of your own.
- Recruit 10, 20, 50, or 100 players, game officials, faculty, staff, administration and alumni to participate.
- Perform fifty or more hours of service (including planning, recruiting, actual service and reporting).
- Document your project with photos and clippings from newsletters or newspapers reporting on your project. The full name Honda Campus All-Star Challenge must be prominently displayed on materials used during your project (t-shirts, banners, flags, runner’s bibs, door hangers, book covers, backpacks, etc.).
Complete the HCASC Community Service Report online and upload your pictures and other support materials by January 27, 2012.
What about community service in the spring?
Many campuses engage in community service year round. Therefore, in addition to the 5K mentoring project, you are free to continue your project or to represent HCASC in areas about which you are passionate.
How is community service recognized in HCASC?
A panel of American Honda associates reviews submissions and awards the partner organization with a grant to continue its efforts. The projects are judged on creativity, excellence in execution & presentation and benefits to the community. The recipients will be announced at the 2012 National Championship Tournament. All schools completing the "HCASC in the Community" Report Form make their partner eligible to receive a grant.