Foundation Scholars help special education students create holiday crafts

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Students from Western Michigan University's Foundation Scholars program visited with special education students from Kalamazoo's King-Westwood Elementary to make holiday crafts this fall. Twelve WMU students bonded with the elementary students Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 as they created holiday sculptures, ornaments and other festive decorations and presents for their families.

The project is part of an annual outreach and service-learning project to match the college students with young people in the community, with the primary focus being on relationship-building.

"I can't tell you the joy I feel every time I think of the connections our students made with the WMU students. They were quite disappointed to hear that they will no longer be joining them. We did have a couple students say they would still like to come and assist," said King-Westwood teacher Sam Delorey.

One of the goals of the experience is to help the Foundation Scholars appreciate the gifts young students with special needs offer. It was the first partnership with King-Westwood. Previous partnerships included building bikes with residents of Lakeside Academy that were gifted to students at Spring Valley Elementary.

Learn more about service learning at WMU by visiting wmich.edu/servicelearning.

Learn more about the Foundation Scholarship program at wmich.edu/admissions/foundation.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.