Introduction
The Davies Community Service Leaders Program, founded in 2004, connects Allegheny College students to the Meadville Community through community-based service opportunities. Within the academic year 10 leaders are chosen, working 8-10 hours a week. For the Summer 10 Leaders are chosen working 30-35 hours a week for 8 weeks. Projects chosen are those that are distinct and support civic vitality and/or civic renewal in the Meadville community. These projects have focused and meaningful measurable outcomes, as well as offer a clear structure for supervision. We encourage you to propose a project with these goals in mind. Below you will find more information regarding the Davies Program and the project proposal process.
Program Overview and Mission
The Davies Community Service Leaders program engages Allegheny College student leaders with local organizations through project-based initiatives. While meeting immediate community needs, the projects cultivate a unique and mutually beneficial relationship between the Davies Leaders, their partnered organizations, the college, and the surrounding community. The Davies Program allows students to discover the character of the Meadville community and in turn serve as exemplary ambassadors of Allegheny College. Davies Leaders use the knowledge they gain from being immersed in the community to spread awareness among their peers about the history, spirit, and gems of Meadville.
History of the Program
John Llewellyn (Lew) Davies graduated from Allegheny College in 1940 with a double major in business and economics. Having worked his way through college, he formed close contacts in downtown Meadville and created a legacy of good citizenship long after he returned from WWII. In 1948, he married Eleanor (Ellie) Bainer, and together they dedicated their lives to economic growth and sustainable community initiatives within the Meadville area. After his death in 2003, the Davies family created the Davies Community Service Leaders Program to fund student internships that would continue Lew’s legacy of civic engagement.
Role of a Davies Leader
The Davies Community Service Leaders Program strengthens the relationship between students, local organizations, Allegheny College, and the Meadville community. During the Academic Year the Davies Leaders complete 8-10 hours a week (30-35 in the summer) of compensated service to our community. Service Leaders work at agencies on project-based initiatives such as community research or project management to enhance both the student’s and the selected agency’s goals. Included in their work, Davies Leaders have bi-weekly (weekly over the summer) trainings to build leadership capacity, learn professional skills, and grow a more in-depth understanding of character and citizenship. Project matches are determined by the needs of the agency and student interest.
Qualifications
- Be a current or rising 2nd-4th year Allegheny College Student
- Dedicate 8-10 hours a week to service at your agency (30-35 in the Summer)
- Be qualified for work study or campus employment (this is a paid position)
- Complete an Academic Year or 8 week Summer as a Leader
- Attend bi-weekly (weekly in the summer) trainings with your fellow Leaders
TO APPLY
Submit a cover letter highlighting your interest in the program.
Submit a resume.
Submit contact information of two references (one must be from Allegheny College).
Email or drop-off cover letter and resume to:
Bethany Ozorak (bozorak@allegheny.edu)
The Allegheny Gateway
The Davies Program Box #22
520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335
After every 300 hours, each position is evaluated. If the non-profit agency, the Davies Program Supervisors, and the Davies student wish to continue with another 300 hours of service, the opportunity is available.
For Questions:
Please contact Bethany Ozorak (bozorak@allegheny.edu), Assistant Director for Community-Based Projects, located in the Allegheny Gateway – Civic Engagement office, Room 246