Johnson & Wales University improves the quality of life in Charlotte through our commitments to community service, urban revitalization and community partnerships, and through our recreational classes.
Commitment to Community ServiceJWU emphasizes the importance of community service through volunteer activities and required service learning courses. The Wells Fargo Community Center promotes leadership and volunteerism among students, faculty and staff.
Service projects focus on hunger, homelessness and education, and include mentorships, food drives, nutritional education and tutoring. Since 2006, this commitment has earned the campus a position on the national President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, a federal initiative promoting the engagement of colleges and universities in their communities, every year.
Business and Economic DevelopmentThe establishment of our Charlotte Campus — opened in 2004 as a unique partnership between the city of Charlotte and Johnson & Wales University — has already begun to fulfill its promise. Enrollment has grown to nearly 2,500 students supporting over 200 full-time jobs in Charlotte.
In addition to having a positive economic impact through the Charlotte Campus, the university is also committed to urban revitalization. Having invested $107.2 million in construction since the campus’ inception, JWU is an active participant in economic development and revitalization efforts in the Charlotte area.
As a youngster Bernice Parenti helped with neighborhood fund-raisers in Bristol, R.I., in response to the polio scare of the 1950s. She and her friends were part of the civic conscience characteristic of the times. read more