Freshmen Get A "Fresh Start" At Penn State
August 21, 2000
University Park, Pa. –Incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to become active in community service and learn the importance of volunteering by participating in the second annual "Fresh Start" program on Sunday, Aug. 27.

This year, 46 undergraduate team leaders already involved in campus service organizations will show 200 freshmen a few of the many volunteer opportunities available to them in Centre County, says Carol German, director of the AT&T Center for Service Leadership. Last year 100 freshmen participated in the program and spent the day performing hands-on projects throughout the county, including painting houses, preparing food for the needy and spending time with elderly residents.

"Fresh Start combines student leadership development and community service to prepare students for future roles in business and in their local communities," says German. "It's an opportunity to study real society issues and use work skills to benefit the community." She says it is also a good time for students to reflect upon the value of their work to the community.

The students will participate in projects for Outlook Pointe, Shavers Creek Environmental Center, Brookline Village, The Second Mile, Clearwater Conservatory, State College Food Bank, Black Moshannon State Park, Centre Crest, Easter Seals, Spring Creek Park, Wellspring From On Drugs Inc. and University Park Nursing Home.

Fresh Start is coordinated by Lions Share, a student organization that helps students, faculty and staff find long-term volunteer opportunities in State College and the surrounding areas. Lions Share places students in one of the more than 140 local volunteer opportunities by finding projects that fit their experiences, interests and availability.

Fresh Start will follow this schedule:

•11:30 a.m. Rally at the HUB-Robeson Cultural Center.

•12:15 p.m. Departure.

•12:30 p.m. Arrive at sites.

•4 p.m. Return to the HUB-Robeson Cultural Center for a discussion and pizza party.

?Located in the Hub-Robeson Cultural Center, the AT&T Center provides out-of-class opportunities in leadership development and volunteer activities for students.

Contact: Amy Neil at (814) 865-7517 or at