Since 2009, 375 UNLV Engelstad Scholars have completed 131,250 community service hours. The numbers are impressive, but the impact and lives touched can’t be quantified.

The Ralph & Betty Engelstad Scholars Program is celebrating 15 years of leadership, scholarship, and service at UNLV and in the surrounding community. The Engelstad Family Foundation established the program through a $12.625 million endowment to UNLV. At the time, the gift was the largest active scholarship in the university’s history and the largest endowment in the history of the Nevada System of Higher Education. 

Christina Nguyen, a junior psychology major who became an Engelstad Scholar in fall 2022, calls her years in the program both memorable and rewarding.

“Not only did I get to meet an amazing group of people, but I got to partner with a nonprofit organization and help serve alongside an amazing team,” she said.

Nguyen does community service at Spread the Word Nevada whose mission is to improve childhood literacy while helping students build their own library at home. She mentors elementary school students and challenges them to enhance their reading skills. 

“We read books together and play educational games to have fun. I get to connect with my students while also seeing them bloom into amazing readers,” she said.

“This program has made me realize that every little thing matters and that you have the power to make a change, no matter how small or big.”

A Helping Hand

Nguyen is one of 88 students in the Engelstad Scholars Program this year. They hone their leadership and service skills by volunteering at more than 30 nonprofit organizations in the community. Students receive a $7,000 scholarship annually to defray school costs and one-on-one mentorship and complete a minimum of 50 service hours each semester. 

Jenna Heath, director of student and community engagement in the College of Liberal Arts, has led the program since June 2023, when it transitioned to the college from the Division of Student Affairs. She said the program offers students substantial financial aid and emphasizes a commitment to community service.

“Through this program, we are fostering a generation of leaders who understand the value of giving back, making a lasting impact in their communities while pursuing their academic goals,” she said.

“We are so grateful to the Engelstad Family Foundation and the impact they have made with this generous scholarship over the years.”

Why Service Matters

Erin McGarry, chief granting officer of the Engelstad Foundation, attends many of the scholars’ programs and trainings. She called reaching this milestone anniversary “an achievement beyond our wildest dreams” that reflects the impact and success of past, present, and future scholars.

“It is amazing to see how many students have finished college, flourished in their majors, and were embraced to be a part of the community through this program. I feel honored to be reflecting on 15 years and truly believe we would not have gotten here without the support and trust of the community, partners, and all the other stakeholders who paved the way for continuous success,” she said.

“We look forward to another 15 years of investing in our future leaders and thank each student for letting us be a small sliver in their journey.” 

Asked why community service is such a bedrock of the program, McGarry added, “This program has prioritized this as a core belief because we deeply know that every single person needs to have a hand in their community to help it thrive. The Engelstad Scholars have become a light from the university in the community, and many have been hired by their organizations that they serve with. They are forging a new generation of hope, and it has been such a joy to watch.”

Her mother, Kris Engelstad, trustee of the Engelstad Foundation and benefactor and founder of the Engelstad Scholars Program, said service “encourages empathy toward others as well as providing personal growth. Overall community service makes a difference not only to the people that are served but also to those providing the service.”

Edward Delgado-Ochoa, a scholar who began the program last fall as a freshman, said the most rewarding aspect is being involved — from working at Legal Aid of Southern Nevada to creating strong friendships with fellow scholars. 

The program has made him more aware of others’ needs, he said. “Through the Engelstad family’s relationship with local nonprofit organizations, students like myself are more aware of the issues currently facing the Las Vegas community.”

Showing the Way

More higher education programs with a service component are needed, said Nikki Adams, a sophomore biology major who volunteers at Legal Aid of Southern Nevada.

“I believe that if everyone did community service this world would be an exponentially better place. We are all very fortunate to have a scholarship that pushes us to volunteer,” she said.

“The Engelstad Scholars have done a lot of amazing work, so you can’t help but wonder ‘what would happen if more programs followed suit?’”

Applications are accepted from local high school seniors each fall. More details are available on the Engelstad Scholars website.