University students enrolled in English composition classes completed some of their assignments by writing for these groups. The small, isolated rural community of Tillery, North Carolina has partnered with the university to provide service learning opportunities for students enrolled in pre-med, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing and speech pathology, nutrition, environmental health and health education. California University emphasizes a commitment to service. The community served by the university is unique in terms of the types of services needed. Demographically, the local area is known for the unusual problems created by the outward migration of its youth.
Service learning opportunities are plentiful for faculty from all disciplines.
In the spirit of giving, one of California University's many successful alumni returned to campus to share his experiences and introduce his new way to teach math. Dr. Bill Sacco, class of 1951, an internationally known mathematician, has developed Think Sharp Learning Experiences, a company that produces materials to teach students of all ages the most widely used math concepts in the world. The Empowermath curriculum, as Dr. Sacco has called it, teaches these concepts by using real-life problems delivered through exciting multimedia presentations. Barbera Webb who directs the Teacher Enhancement program, shared information Sacco brought to California University. It connects the students to the real world.