At West Virginia University, the WVU Center for Community Engagement's Purpose2Action program is doing more than connecting students with their community — it's transforming lives.
Launched in response to pressing community needs, P2A places financially constrained undergraduate students with local nonprofit and public sector organizations for mission-driven, paid semester-long community service experiences.
Although student financial support was a key element in the creation of the program, its goals and impact span far beyond that. By offering students the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, P2A nurtures career-ready skills, enhances mental well-being and fosters a profound sense of purpose and belonging.
"The Purpose2Action program continues to exceed our expectations. It not only meets the financial and professional development needs of students but also fills critical gaps for community organizations across West Virginia,” Whitney Glotfelty, director of community-based learning at the CCE, said. “Purpose2Action creates lasting impact through its intentional connection of students’ passions and aspirations with real-world needs. Watching this program soar since its inception has been one of the most rewarding parts of our work.”
Each student is placed with a community partner organization to work with for one semester. Students can then apply to participate for another semester, called P2A+, where they can work with the same community partner or explore another pathway. Through this experience, students learn critical personal and professional growth skills through development sessions, complete reflective exercises, and receive peer mentorship and guidance throughout their journey.
For example, Kaitlynn Potter was partnered with the
Morgantown Public Library. She worked alongside the marketing and
communications staff to create innovative marketing ideas and materials to
promote the libraries. Potter created an ASMR
series, coordinated several large community events and programs, and even
organized a book signing forrenowned author Jan Brett.
“My experience in P2A and P2A+ helped me be assured that a career in teaching is what I want,” said Potter. “At first, I chose the library because it was within walking distance to me, but it quickly became a safe zone for me with a lot of friends and mentors. My goal for this job was to become more familiar with media and how I can use it to my advantage while teaching in the classroom in the future, and I think I have accomplished that goal and more.”
Gearing up for its eighth cohort, P2A has placed more than 60 students with nearly 45 community organizations across West Virginia. Students have worked on projects that range from addressing food insecurity to promoting environmental sustainability. Many participants have gone on to secure permanent employment with their host organizations, while others have leveraged the experience to gain acceptance into graduate programs or launch their careers.
The peer mentorship aspect has been particularly instrumental in these outcomes. By offering tailored guidance and emotional support, mentors help students navigate challenges, celebrate successes and connect their work with their broader academic and career goals.
Each student in the program is paired with a mentor, often a P2A alum or graduate student affiliated with WVU’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE). These mentors provide weekly one-on-one guidance, professional advice and thoughtful encouragement, ensuring students maximize the benefits of their community engagement work.
Stephanie Sarfo, a two-time P2A mentor, believes that the program offers valuable and meaningful connections as well as community engagement experience.
“The P2A program creates a supportive environment where students are surrounded by people who genuinely care about making a difference in our communities,” Sarfo said. “Not only do I get to help others, but I also get to strengthen my own leadership and communication skills and form meaningful relationships with both mentees and fellow mentors.”
Across the program, mentors and mentees alike see this same value in the experience. Connor Stricklen, Sarfo’s mentee, agrees that the P2A program offers more than just a job or community service.
“Having a mentor like Stephanie in the P2A program has allowed me to feel supported through our weekly conversations and meetings and has given me the opportunity to obtain experienced advice from someone who genuinely cares about my success in the program,” Stricklen said.
While in the P2A program, Stricklen’s community partner was the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center. His experience went so well that he was recently hired there in a permanent role as a community outreach and data specialist.
The future of P2A is bright, with plans to expand its reach and impact. As the program continues to grow, it remains a testament to the power of mentorship and the incredible potential unlocked when students are given the resources to thrive.
Visit the WVU CCE P2A website for more information about the P2A program and to learn how to get involved.
The WVU CCE supports effective partnerships with communities that enhance discovery through community-engaged teaching, scholarship and action. The CCE focuses on supporting faculty, staff and students in working with external partners on meeting reciprocal and mutually beneficial needs and advancing WVU’s land grant mission.
-WVU-
slk/06/19/25
MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Keener
Communications Specialist
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-8986; Sydney.Keener@mail.wvu.edu