Jayden McQueen, a sophomore political science major from Crestview, Florida, discovered the TROY Office of Civic Engagement while attending their “coffee and conversations” event in fall 2022. The former Freshman Forum delegate applied to work there the following spring.

“I got introduced to this work through the event and fell in love with it,” McQueen said. “It’s a full-circle moment.”

McQueen, who is on staff with the office, is the team leader for the civic lab. The civic lab works with local middle schoolers to foster discussions about a variety of topics.

“Our local youth really respond well to college students,” said Lauren Cochran, the coordinator of civic engagement at TROY. “They enjoy seeing students from Troy come to their classroom and teach them.”

Aside from the civic lab, the Office of Civic Engagement works on a variety of projects in the community and in the university. 

“We want to provide an avenue for students to get engaged with the local community,” Cochran said. “It can be a little intimidating to show up at a non-profit or at a school.”

Student staff like McQueen work with different organizations to serve the community. The office works to alleviate food insecurity through programs like Campus Kitchens and Trojan Pantry. Additionally, they serve schools like Troy Elementary and Charles Henderson High School.

Backpacks for Kids, another program that the office works with, provides food for school age children. Besides helping the community, Cochran wants students to benefit from volunteering as well.

“We want to equip students to be active citizens in their community,” Cochran said. “That’s what makes communities great – when citizens, no matter their age, invest time.”

Chauntina Whittle, who graduated from Troy in 2023 with a degree in psychology, has worked with the office of civic engagement for five years. She is continuing her work there now through AmeriCorps VISTA.

“My favorite part of working here is the relationships I’m able to have with volunteers and community partners,” Whittle said. “Volunteering and finding your place is important, and this department does that.”

Students interested in getting involved can find information at the office’s website or Instagram page.