Service Scholar Program Wins Higher Ed Award

By Isabella Ensign

Florida State University’s Service Scholar Program, was named a NASPA-Florida Program of Distinction for its outstanding contributions to service-learning and student success. The program has been run by the Center for Leadership & Service for the past 28 years. 

Founded in 1997, the Service Scholars program is a comprehensive four-year, co-curricular program that promotes civic responsibility and leadership among undergraduate students. Each year, a select cohort of first-year students who have demonstrated excellence in service and leadership are admitted to the program. Service Scholars engage in such activities as completing 75 hours of service per semester, individual and group service projects, monthly colloquia, and peer mentorship, all while maintaining a strong academic record. Scholars also receive an annual scholarship of $4,500, totaling $18,000 over the course of the program. Across the approximately 40 scholars, the program awards $180,000 annually.  

Three Service Scholars paint a staircase during a service project at Homefront Veterans Village.

NASPA-Florida is a state chapter of the national organization for student affairs administrators in higher education. The “Programs of Distinction” award celebrates innovative programs and services that benefit students across a wide range of categories, including service-learning, student activities, leadership, and more.

Last month, NASPA named FSU’s Service Scholars a program of distinction in its Florida regional awards. This award celebrates the top programs supporting students in areas such as careers, academic support, service-learning, and community service. The program of distinction award further underscores the impact Service Scholars has had in shaping student leaders who create lasting change in the FSU community and beyond. 

Hillary Harbauer is a third-year student and the chair of the Service Scholar Student Board.

“Had I not received an offer to become a Service Scholar under the Center for Leadership & Service at Florida State University, my undergraduate experience would have been missing a safety net and the ‘citizenship’ pillar that Florida State University promises,” Harbauer said. “I am forever grateful to the Service Scholar Program, for encouraging me to become a better individual focused on continuous learning who will continue to be engaged in community with responsibility.” 

The Service Scholar Program cultivates a strong sense of community and offers access to a 28-year network of engaged alumni, many of whom return to mentor current students. 

Erin Sylvester Philpot is a Service Scholar alumna whose relationship to the program has come full circle. As program director for leadership at the Center for Leadership & Service, she now serves as director of the Service Scholar Program. 

“We have a passion for helping others and naturally connect academic study and wisdom to the service of addressing wicked problems in our communities,” Philpot said. “On the whole, Service Scholars see humanity as something which simultaneously connects us and also obligates us to the service of the collective over ourselves.” 

As part of this unique program, students are introduced to service-learning principles, nonprofit management, and leadership theory, regardless of their major.  

Five Service Scholars engage in deep discussion at a monthly Scholar Evening during the spring 2024 semester.

Dr. Jillian Volpe White, an alumna of the program’s fifth cohort, found Service Scholars to be one of the best parts of her Florida State undergraduate experience. “Engaging in service with other scholars in a new city pushed me out of my comfort zone, and talking regularly with Bill Moeller, my Service Scholar mentor, provided opportunities for reflection,” White said. “Over the course of four years, I became more engaged on campus, facilitated service projects, learned about social issues locally and globally, and grew into a woman with confidence in her capacity.” 

Applications are currently open for the next class of Service Scholars. High school students planning to enroll at FSU for the 2025-2026 academic year are welcome to apply by Feb. 23. Learn more at thecenter.fsu.edu/servicescholars.