In a unique and impactful approach to teaching English composition, Professor Melissa Dennis’s English 1302 class at Lone Star College-Montgomery is helping students learn critical writing skills while making a positive difference in the community. Through partnerships with local nonprofits and generous funding from Sequent Energy, students are engaged in meaningful projects that address various community needs.

This year, students collaborated with organizations such as Ruby’s Home for Good, Mosaics of Mercy, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Abundant Harvest, tackling issues from child bedlessness to food insecurity. By dividing into groups, students conducted thorough research to identify each nonprofit’s unique needs and challenges. They then crafted formal proposals and presented their findings.

The culmination of their hard work was evident when the winning team proudly presented a $2,500 donation to Mosaics of Mercy at a ceremony held on December 11. Mosaics of Mercy Director Jamie Freels-Runey passionately acknowledged their contributions, stating, “On behalf of our organization, we are deeply honored to receive this generous donation. This contribution will greatly enhance our ability to provide vital mental health resources to the community, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. We are grateful for the support and partnership of Lone Star College-Montgomery, and we applaud the dedication of your English class in supporting such an important cause.”

Through this continuous classroom project, students actively engage in real-world writing initiatives. This opportunity allows them to create meaningful work that extends beyond their classroom assignments. By connecting with the community, students foster collaboration and enrich their learning experience, making the project both impactful and rewarding.

Nicholas Langkamp, a student in the class, shared his thoughts: “I learned a lot about our community through this class. It was enriching to engage with and give back to those around me! Similarly, Ava Habib noted, “This experience taught me the value of compassion and collaboration. It wasn’t just about earning a grade; it was about using what we learned in class to help others and create meaningful change.”

Professor Dennis is enthusiastic about continuing to celebrate her students' hard work and dedication to giving back to the community in her English 1302 class, with the support of various partners. "The students found ways, outside of their required projects, to connect the organizations they worked with to the LSC-M campus. The students working with Sleep in Heavenly Peace sponsored a pillow drive on campus, raising $500—enough for 100 pillows, and the Mosaics of Mercy team manned a table on campus to inform students about mental health resources," said Professor Dennis.

This class is a win-win for everyone involved. Students gain valuable real-world experience and the community benefits from funding provided to nonprofits. Looking ahead to future collaborations, students are invited to enroll and share their ideas, while also encouraging interested nonprofits and businesses to reach out for future collaborations.

Lone Star College-Montgomery is offering a new service-learning-focused English 1301 course in the Fall semester of ’25. Students will volunteer on campus and in the community for the course. The space is expected to fill quickly. Anyone interested can register at LoneStar.edu/registration or contact Professor Melissa Dennis at Melissa.H.Dennis@lonestar.edu for more information on collaborating with the class.