HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 16, 2021 – High Point University dedicates thousands of hours annually giving back to the community in many ways. The university will now be able to grow its community outreach programs thanks to a generous grant.

Oak Foundation is helping fund the creation of the HPU Center for Community Engagement which is expected to begin operating in the fall. The $5.5-million grant is one of the largest in HPU’s history. The international organization has funded more than 5,400 grants worldwide since it was founded in 1983.

“Oak Foundation is pleased to partner with High Point University in support of the Center for Community Engagement,” says Mille Brobston, special interest program officer for Oak Foundation. “The center will bring students, faculty and community members together to promote growth and social change in the city of High Point and beyond.”

The Center for Community Engagement will serve as the central hub connecting the university and community resources by drawing in a diverse group of low-income students into the university through scholarships and program support.

“Oak Foundation’s support is expanding opportunities for HPU students to be a part of a caring and values-based learning environment,” says HPU President, Dr. Nido Qubein. “HPU students, faculty and staff give more than 110,000 hours of volunteer service each year. We are grateful to the foundation for partnering with the university to build more opportunities to serve the community.”

Reverend Dr. Joe Blosser, director of Service Learning at HPU, will lead the efforts at the center with help from students, faculty and staff to come alongside community members.

The grant money will provide the center with scholarships for Bonner Leaders who each serve 300 hours in the community at a partner nonprofit organization. The money will also fund students participating in service learning courses, HPU’s AmeriCorps VISTA program, the Civic Responsibility and Social Innovation degree program, and develop the student-run Volunteer Center.

“I’m excited to lead High Point University into a new phase of deepening our work in the City of High Point,” says Blosser, associate professor of religion and philosophy. “Through Dr. Qubein’s innovative leadership and this historic investment from Oak, our students will be able to partner, learn, and thrive alongside leaders across the city to work together to develop solutions to our most pressing challenges.”