NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education Gives Back to the Community

Part of NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education’s vision is to positively impact the individuals, organizations and communities of North Carolina. 

While this is typically accomplished through the development and delivery of market-driven programs and services — this year, our staff engaged in a day of giving back to the community to celebrate the division’s 100-year anniversary. 

Our teams participated in volunteer activities at the Habitat for Humanity of Wake County and The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. 

The Habitat for Humanity volunteer group worked on home construction for families in Knightdale. 

The Food Bank volunteer group partnered with other local organizations and helped build 1,127 food boxes to support seniors —  which amounts to 33,000 meals or 39,600 pounds of food.

For Program Assistant Darthea Powden, the experience was an eye-opener. 

“It is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and help others in need,” she said. And when asked what she enjoyed most, Powden noted, “Seeing the number of people who came to volunteer and how well the Food Bank runs its organization. Also, knowing the number of meals that were boxed and the families that will be helped!”

Other team members also enjoyed the chance to connect with coworkers outside of the office, like Assistant Vice Provost of Business Operations Jessie Sova. She wanted to participate in the day of service “to support the division and the community we serve” while also enjoying “being with my colleagues out of a work setting.” 

Program Coordinator Ashley Schwed worked on the Habitat for Humanity project and felt a sense of accomplishment and enjoyed the team-building aspect of the day as well. 

Serving the citizens of North Carolina has been at the forefront of NC State’s land-grant mission since its establishment. The last century of NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education’s work has been no exception. We’ll continue to impact the lives of North Carolinians both through our programs and through other service events for the next 100 years.