May 22, 2024 Washtenaw Technical Middle College
Washtenaw Technical Middle College Students Earn National Awards for Community Service Impact
United Nations Association of the USA Recognizes Youth Leaders Delivering Progress Toward The UN Sustainable Development Goals
May, 2024 – Washtenaw Technical Middle College is delighted to announce 9 students are being recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the seventh Annual Community Service Impact Awards. This program, open to all U.S. students, has been designed to connect student community service activities, skill development, and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world. The Kroger Co. is presenting the fifth annual Zero Hero Awards to students for taking action to help create communities free of hunger and waste. The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is recognizing outstanding youth volunteers addressing community needs.
“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. They also present a unique opportunity for UN member states, grassroots organizations and advocates to work together to create a better future for everyone,” says Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA. “Youth play a pivotal role in driving change forward, now more than ever. As an intergenerational movement of dedicated Americans, UNA-USA is committed to supporting the work of the vital work of the United Nations and SDGs. We are thrilled to partner with InnerView again this year and celebrate the impact youth have made in advancing the SDGs. Congratulations to this year’s awardees for their dedication and inspired action!”
"We are so proud to recognize the efforts of the Michigan youth who chose to give their valuable time to help others," said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. "Youth understand the power of volunteering and the importance their actions have in strengthening communities. Their passion and strong desire to make an impact is inspiring.”
Students from Washtenaw Technical Middle College delivered the most impact for SDG 4 - Quality Education.
“High school students have a strong perspective on the most challenging issues and needs facing our communities. These awardees exemplify young leadership, harnessing their passion and skills to enact positive change in their communities and beyond,” says Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView Technologies. “We feel privileged to work alongside these change-makers daily, supporting their journey, unlocking opportunities, and commemorating their achievements."
A key artifact students gain through the Award Program is the development of a digital service resume for use in job and college applications to demonstrate personal commitment, 21st century skills, and key areas of interest. The three-tier award program recognizes a range of student achievement: Merit for 30 hours, Honor for 60 hours and Ambassador for 100 hours of service this school year and special recognition for a focus on Zero Hunger and Zero Waste.
Honor Awardees: Jayden Im
Merit Awardees: Razanne Belbeisi, Faith Brzezinski, Abigail Bully, Isabelle Bully, Kendra Conely, Joie Karas, Johanna Lautenbach
Zero Hero Awardees: Meghan Robinson
Michigan Awardees: Jayden Im
About United Nations Association - USA
The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations in U.S. communities, colleges, and Congress. With over 20,000 members (70% under the age of 26) and more than 200 chapters across the country, UNA-USA members are united in their commitment to global engagement and their belief that each of us can play a part in advancing the UN’s mission and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more.
About InnerView Technologies
InnerView is the leading and most equitable youth social responsibility platform to help students, groups, and schools highlight community service impact, passion for causes, skill development, and connect local effort to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. All college and high school-aged students are welcome to join this community of compassionate youth leaders who have discovered ways to get involved and crafted dynamic visual service impact resumes through my.InnerView.org. InnerView Technologies is a social impact organization working with students, groups, schools, nonprofits, and committed & compassionate institutions. Learn more at InnerView.org
About Michigan Community Service Commission
The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) utilizes service as a strategy to address the state's most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. In 2023-2024, the MCSC is granting more than $21 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities. The MCSC is housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/volunteer.