The following was adapted from a press release published by North Carolina Campus Engagement.
Elise Schaub, a junior in the UNC School of Education’s Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program, received the Community Impact Student Award from North Carolina Campus Engagement, a statewide network of colleges and universities committed to preparing students for civic and social responsibility. The award recognizes one student leader at each member school for their commitment to community involvement and ability to inspire peers to serve. Schaub was honored during the virtual Engagement Matters Awards Ceremony on Nov. 13.
Schaub has been engaged as a leader both on campus and in the community as a Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools teacher, a Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools teaching intern, co-fundraising director, and project management director for Circle of Women, and a volunteer for an array of organizations. During her time at Carolina, Schaub has served more than 520 hours with at least 14 different community-based organizations.
“My passion lies in empowering the next generation to become agents of change. I strive to bridge gaps in underserved communities by mentoring youth and advocating for equitable education and healthcare,” Schaub said. “This award reflects my dedication to community service and motivates me to expand this love for service into a career in the non-profit sector.”
Additionally, Schaub served as State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Public Fellow Intern with Men & Women United for Youth and Families Youth Ambassador Program. In this role, she supported the growth and personal development of young adults and high school students as she facilitated lesson plans focused on self-reflection and goal setting, conducted skill-building workshops on career exploration, planned a scholarship banquet, helped organize a summer enrichment camp, and mentored with the Save the Seed Collective.
“She is always looking for an opportunity to sustain impactful organizations through leadership roles that are inspiring real social change with communities,” said Katelyn Bodwell, program officer for community engagement at the Carolina Center for Public Engagement, who nominated Schaub for the award. “She approaches activism from different perspectives, seeks to understand leadership in diverse cultural contexts, and hopes to build a foundation for change.”
“Through my Human Development and Family Science major, I’ve gained meaningful knowledge and skills that reflect my commitment to supporting youth and families,” Schaub said. “The curriculum has given me a stronger understanding of how to uplift and empower communities, and the connections I’ve built with peers and professors have been truly transformative. The School of Education has not only fostered a sense of belonging but also provided incredible support and a vibrant community that inspires me to lead and serve with purpose.”