While foundational leadership concepts are often explored through academic study, students in ALEC 102: Interpersonal Skills for Leadership are taking those lessons directly into the community to see them in action.
This spring, 181 students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln completed 3,738 hours of service within Lincoln and the surrounding communities. This collective effort didn’t just provide a learning opportunity for students; it delivered a tangible economic benefit to the region. The combined efforts are estimated to have an economic impact of $119,474.
“ALEC 102 is about more than just leadership theories; it’s about practicing interpersonal skills for leadership through service,” said L.J. McElravy, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication and ALEC 102 Course Coordinator.
“By engaging with local nonprofits, our students are bridging the gap between classroom concepts and leadership practice, all while supporting the needs of the Lincoln community.”
The course required students to partner with one of 26 community organizations during the semester. These partnerships provide for a range of volunteer opportunities, from youth development centers (like Belmont Community Center) to animal support services (like Capital Humane Society), allowing students to refine their communication and interpersonal skills in real-world environments while providing vital support to the Lincoln area.
Tanya Hansen, volunteer service manager with CHI Health, noted that the students' “positive attitudes and commitment truly make a difference in our environment and directly support both staff and patient care.”
Within the course, students reflected on how the hours spent in the community enriched their understanding of professional responsibility. Lainey Bilau, a biochemistry and pre-physician assistant major, who volunteered at CHI St. Elizabeth, recalled a powerful moment of gratitude from the staff: “A staff member came up to me and said, ‘Thank you for stocking rooms because it helps me spend more time with my patients.’”
Kylie Cook, director of education and operations at the Belmont Community Center, noted that the ALEC students provided much more than just an extra set of hands.
“Beyond helping with homework and daily activities, the students built genuine relationships with our youth, creating an environment where the kids felt supported, encouraged, and valued,” she said. “One of the most valuable aspects of the partnership was the way the ALEC 102 students demonstrated leadership through compassion, patience and mentorship.”
Not only do the students have an impact on the community, but the agencies also offer opportunities for self-reflection and learning. Landon Webb, a skilled and technology sciences education major, noted that he discovered a “true passion for the improvement of young people's lives” after volunteering with Lighthouse Lincoln, an after-school program for youth.
Antonia Carey, an ALEC Leadership major, conducted her service at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, the mission of which is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction, and provide outreach and advocacy in Lincoln. Carey stated that her service “gave me a chance to lead and take charge; the agency trusted me, and that built my self-confidence to lead.”
Nonprofit agencies in the Lincoln and surrounding communities interested in hosting ALEC 102 students can reach out to alec102@unl.edu for more information.
ALEC 102 is offered every fall and spring semester.
