Ollie Otter and Service Learning

For Immediate Release

March 1, 2011

Contact; Julie Brewer

931-372-3318

Ollie Otter and Service Learning

What is service learning? How does a 6ft tall otter mascot fit in?

Service Learning: Incorporates community work into curriculum, giving students real-world learning experiences that enhance their academic learning while providing a tangible benefit to the community.

Ollie Otter joined forces with Vol State Community College to broaden the horizon for service learning. VSCC launched the pilot program this semester, incorporating service learning in the Criminal Justice program.

Service learning is the application of education to a community based problem to find a viable solution to the problem.  A way to improve the community. The Ollie Otter program seeks to educate families and members of the community on the importance of seatbelt use, for everyone traveling in cars and trucks.  The program may be directed toward the elementary school aged children of Tennessee but its reach goes far beyond the 5-12 year olds at each presentation.

Volunteers from across the state get involved to implement the Ollie Otter program at over 300 schools annually.  This includes service organization groups from high schools, community colleges, technology centers, law enforcement agencies, and many more. Over 300 volunteers assist annually with the programs.  These volunteers are influencing kids to make smart decisions for their safety, and in turn the volunteers have being impacted by the message of the program. 

"The volunteers from Vol State are learning valuable skills, like public relations, public speaking, and management skills", said Kevin Cook, professor of Criminal Justice at Vol State Community College.  The students are seeing first hand, how their involvement with such a program can make an impact right in their own community. "They have to set a good example for these children and it causes them to make their own choices based on this relationship" said Cook.

The Ollie Otter program welcomes volunteers from across the state to get involved.  visit www.seatbeltvolunteer.org for more information on how to get involved and make positive changes in your community.