Around fifty Alfred State students in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Summer Prep Academy (SPA) continued their partnership with Steuben County Habitat for Humanity by participating in their annual Brush with Kindness event.
The students visited nine properties in the village of Bath to complete landscaping, painting, staining, and other improvement projects.
Photo Gallery of Summer Prep Academy activities
Joy Overacker, community outreach director and resource development for Steuben County Habitat for Humanity, received positive feedback from the families that benefited from the work done by the Alfred State students.
“One homeowner called to thank us and to say that they couldn't have painted their porch or trimmed the bushes in front of their home without us due to their age. Our association appreciates the volunteer work done by the Alfred EOP students; we could not have done it without their help.”
Civic Engagement is an integral component of EOP, and the program has partnered with Habitat for Humanity on multiple occasions. The project was just one of many activities that took place during the Summer Prep Academy.
“I am grateful for our partners at Steuben Habitat for Humanity and for their continued work with us on this summer civic initiative,” added Cyan Corwine, director of global engagement and civic wellbeing at Alfred State. “This relationship has been sustained because of the care that our EOP team leaders and students bring each year! I was incredibly proud of the efforts of this year’s SPA students who worked hard at each project so we could conclude before the high heat of the afternoon.”
Overacker shared that the Brush with Kindness (BWK) event is a neighborhood revitalization program that helps ensure families live in safe and well-maintained homes. The program is designed to revitalize the appearance of the neighborhood, encourage connections within the community, and most importantly help preserve affordable housing stock. The event in Bath also made the community aware of Steuben County Habitat for Humanity and their plans for their next Habitat Home in that community.
The Summer Prep Academy is a residential summer program (4-5 weeks) that lays down the foundation prior to EOP students begin their first year of college.
