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The Kinesiology and Health Promotion department at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky has integrated service learning into it's curriculum in exciting and innovative ways.

Below are snapshots of programs students have implemented in just the past year: 

 River Valley & Associates (mental health facility): Dr. Jason Crandall is currently a co-investigator conducting research to determine the efficacy of a childhood obesity program, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, in 14 underserved children at Cravens Elementary School. Students from Burns Elementary School will be added in the fall of 2011. KWC students will conduct the pre and post fitness testing, using a metabolic cart (measures oxygen consumption and resting energy expenditure), as well as manage the physical activity component of the programs. In addition to the production of scholarly works, we hope this information can be disseminated throughout our community and eventually throughout the country.

  • Green River Area Development District Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living (GRADDAAAIL): With the help of funding from GRADDAAAIL, a physical activity program was implemented at the Roosevelt House II in the spring of 2011. The program, Bingo-cize (combines physical activity with the game of bingo), was successful attracting over 20% of the residential population. This program will be expanded to include Roosevelt House I in the fall of 2011. KWC students conduct fitness testing as well as manage the physical activity component of the program.  
  • Owensboro Public Schools: KWC is currently a partner in an afterschool physical activity, nutrition, and overall wellness program called Kids in Motion. Three schools are currently participating in the program: Cravens, Foust, and Estes Elementary. KWC students plan, implement, and evaluate these programs as part of a course titled Contemporary Health Topics. Practicum students in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion also participate in the program. A total of over 50 children were served in the spring of 2011. The program will continue in the fall of 2011, with plans to increase participation by 20%.
  • Girls, Inc.: KWC students currently implement and evaluate Girls, Inc. stress management and violence prevention programs in young girls as part of a course titled, Contemporary Health Topics.  Over 40 girls were served in the fall of 2010 and the spring of 2011. The program will continue in the fall of 2011 with the goal of increasing participation by 5%.
  • Owensboro YMCA: KWC is currently a partner in an afterschool physical activity and nutrition program. KWC students plan, implement, and evaluate these programs as part of a course titled Contemporary Health Topics. Practicum students in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion also participate in the program.
  • H.L. Neblett Community Center (serves low SES): KWC is currently a partner in an afterschool physical activity and nutrition program. Over 45 children were served during the spring of 2011. KWC students plan, implement, and evaluate these programs as part of a course titled Contemporary Health Topics. Practicum students in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion also participate in the program.
  • Big Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross: In the fall of 2011, an existing curriculum designed to teach elementary school children (K-3) the importance of personal hygiene (Scrubby the Bear program) will modified by KWC allied health students to include personal hygiene, physical activity, and nutrition information. The KWC students will then administer the program in Owensboro and Daviess County elementary schools. The program will also be administered at other community sites.
  • Educational and Cultural Advancement for Latinos (E.D.U.C.A).: In cooperation with the Big Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross and  Dr. Arcea Zapata de Aston, the modified Scrubby the Bear program will be used to  address health and wellness in the children of Latino adults who are part of the E.D.U.C.A. program. KWC students studying the Spanish language will serve as interpreters for KWC allied health students. 

 KWC is a small (800 students) campus. Considering its size our students have accomplished great things over the past year. We would like to recognize their efforts. Thank you for your consideration.