Students Leaving a Mark (SLAM)
Students Leaving A Mark (SLAM) is a student organization of Grand Valley State University that is dedicated to providing its members with academic, cultural, and social opportunities to enrich the students’ professional leadership potential in the field of nonprofit management, leadership, and social entrepreneurship.
Our organization's roots begin with a special topics Service Learning class (PA 380) in the winter semester of 2010. Looking to expand the idea of service learning into a student organization that could impact the local community and nationally with our spring break and summer service trips: Students Leaving A Mark was formed.
Service learning is a learning and teaching concept developed by William James and is the strategy SLAM uses to help our members to develop their skills and potential in the fields of nonprofit management, leadership, and social entrepreneurship. We seek to learn about diverse cultures and communities and create experiences that through reflection can further our professional development.
For information on upcoming the next SCLD-sponsored trip, contact Quincy Williams
2022: Biloxi, MS
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center (LMDC) reached out to recruit SLAM volunteers to give old walls a fresh coat of paint for the children’s museum.
2020: Philadelphia, PA
The 2020 Spring Break Service Learning Trip focused on the issues of poverty and homelessness in Philadelphia. Students participated in community cleanup, serving food to those in need and much more!
Partner: Project Home
2019: Fayetteville, NC
Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina on the morning of September 14, 2018. Fayetteville, NC suffered from 22 billion dollars worth of damage making the storm the state's greatest natural disaster in history.
2018: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. The storm passed around 25 miles away from San Juan - the nation's capital - causing widespread flooding, destruction to homes, and a complete loss of electricity.
Partner: St. Bernard Project