Youth Volunteers Spark Connections with Veterans through Innovative Volunteer Program

Hannah McNichols and Elliot Burge, two dynamic and dedicated youth volunteers, embarked on an extraordinary journey with the Virtual Summer Volunteer Program. This program wasn’t just about volunteering; it was about innovation, goal-setting, and making a real impact. Hannah and Elliot pitched their project to the Center for Development and Civic Engagement, got it approved, gathered feedback during its development, and honed their project management skills along the way.

Purpose: While Hannah and Elliot also contributed their time onsite, this project was a unique endeavor aimed at boosting their pre-graduation accomplishments and skill set. The project was designed to forge personal connections with Veterans, uncovering what serving meant to them, the lessons they learned from their military experiences, and the personal insights they wished to share with the younger generation. These videos also serve as a piece of history that these Veterans can share with their families and generations to come. 

Project Overview: This initiative was all about fostering multi-generational connections and creating valuable learning opportunities. The virtual program, more challenging and self-driven than the onsite one, was enriched with feedback and coaching. It equipped students with project management skills that are typically acquired later in college or beyond. 

These two students created these videos, from beginning, to end. The came up with the logo and slogan, “Beyond the Uniform: Voices of Valor and Perseverance.”

Through their participation, Hannah and Elliot not only made meaningful contributions to the community but also gained invaluable skills and experiences that will undoubtedly benefit them in their futures. Their dedication and innovative spirit truly set them apart as they served the Veteran community in a remarkable way.

We will be releasing the videos that these creative students shot and edited for the families of these Veterans on our Facebook page, under our videos tab.  For quick access, click here. We will be releasing these eight videos over the next month.