The academic standing of each cohort of participants has strengthened over time in terms of grade point average and mean ACT scores. SJS students have contributed over 8,000 hours of their time to a number of service organizations and projects since the inception of the program. These activities have proven to be an excellent way to facilitate the expansion of service learning and research projects within the university. These service opportunities help students develop linkages between the knowledge gained in the classroom and experiential learning gained in the community. This project involves purchasing and sewing blankets into sleeping bags and distributing them to the homeless in Lafayette Park.
Scholars also distribute meal coupons, clothing, and toiletry items.
This project involved SJS students serving as tutors and mentors to children living in transitional housing or shelters for battered women. Scholars also sponsored Halloween and Christmas parties for residents. Seven SJS students also participated in an educational trip to Washington, D.C. to receive training in the areas of volunteerism, action research, and social policy. During the Spring 2000 semester students will participate in a trip to Baton Rouge to learn about educational reform and policy through visits with legislators, representatives from the Governor's Office, and the State Department of Education personnel. A discussion featuring Fr.