When community is the classroom – students learn through service in J-Term on the Hill course

At Pacific Lutheran University, service is a core value. That ethos is embodied in “J-Term on the Hill,” a social work class in which education is grounded in real-world impact.

“It’s not a typical class,” notes Assistant Professor of Social Work Douglas Epps, who led this 2025 cohort of students. “It’s a great way for students to learn a little about social work, but more importantly to learn about the local community and give back while they’re learning.”

This January, the course focused on two vital issues: homelessness and food insecurity. Partnering with local nonprofits, students engaged in hands-on service projects, gaining a deeper understanding of social issues while exploring their lived experiences.

Students volunteered at Northwest Furniture Bank and supported in various ways, from sorting donations to assembling furniture to helping visitors pick out furnishings for their homes.

For some students, this is their first close look at societal challenges. For others, these issues are closer to home. Social work major Jordan Canevari ’26 is already working as a youth services provider at a local organization. 

“I’ve shared my own experiences with young people and walked next to them as they go through difficult times. I have lived through a lot, and now I want to pay it forward. One day, I hope to start my own nonprofit. A degree in social work will help me reach that goal,” said Canevari. 

Canevari continued, “This “J-Term on the Hill” class is obviously meaningful, but it’s also fun for me because I get to use some skills I’ve built at home at these volunteer sites.”

Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, students helped build duplexes for low-income families in the neighboring city of Lakewood. 

Epps was impressed by his students’ enthusiasm, “You’d expect people to be less than thrilled about working at a cold, muddy construction site in January, but our students were just lit up about it. They’re surprised by what they’re capable of doing and energized by the idea that they’re making a difference.”

Social work major Ciara Itson ’26 shares: “Part of why I chose to go to PLU is because they integrate community service into your degree.”

During high school, Itson founded a community service club and wanted to carry that culture of care into her college experience. Now, she’s pursuing a social work degree at PLU, hoping to combine her love of music with mental health counseling. 

J-Term on the Hill allows students to lead, grow, give back, and make a difference. “In this class, we have pre-med, engineering, and business students – people from very different majors. But there’s a unifying thread: all of the students feel the need and the desire to support the community. It’s a reflection of the culture here at PLU,” Epps explained.