Something special happening at Edison Elementary with Mercyhurst University student mentors!
AUTHOR: Alanna Pate; Psychology and Social Work student, work study
At the United Way Edison Elementary Community School in the Erie Public School District, something special happens for five consecutive weeks each semester. Inside classrooms filled with laughter, creativity, and compassion, Mercyhurst students from SOC 204: Cultural Differences course step into the role of mentors, helping children strengthen their social and emotional learning skills through play, teamwork, and positive connections.
This hands-on course invites students to make a true difference in the young lives of students while also gaining valuable experience in cultural awareness, communication, and relationship building. The partnership between Mercyhurst University and Edison Elementary has grown over the past few years, becoming one of the most meaningful community engagement opportunities available to students on campus.
The collaboration first began in the Fall 2023, where Edison Elementary partnered with the Social Work Practice class. By the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years, it had expanded to include both Social Work Practice I and II courses in the fall and spring semesters. In Fall 2025, this partnership took an exciting step forward, becoming a part of the SOC 204: Cultural Differences course. This new addition allowed students from across multiple disciplines and programs to join and create changes in the community. What began as a single classroom partnership has since grown into a program that brings the entire university together in developing new relationships and partnerships.
This year, several dedicated and committed students have made a lasting impact at Edison Elementary. Ella Scoville, a psychology major, joined through her community engagement requirement for Cultural Differences, eager to gain extra hands-on experience. Sky Rodgers, Harmoni Morganfield, and Lauren Cubitt, participated as part of their Field Internship, dedicating additional hours to expand their skills in preparing for their Spring 2026 Field placements. The students' hard work, creativity, and compassion have played a vital role in supporting Edison’s young learners.
Edison Elementary’s success with this program would not be possible without the school’s outstanding administration and Mercyhurst University partnership. The collaboration is guided by Michelle Kephart, a social work/sociology professor at Mercyhurst University, and Tami Krzeszewski-Conway, community school director at Edison, alongside Silva Alhaj-Koko and Eric Evans, community school coordinators. Together, they help create a supportive learning environment where Mercyhurst mentors can connect meaningfully with students and help them thrive.
Each week, mentors lead fun, skill-based activities that help children strengthen essential social and emotional tools. These activities, such as daily mood check-ins, hula hooping, cup stacking, painting, musical chairs, etc., focus on skills like cooperation, kindness, respect, trust building, and following directions. Through movement, play, and conversation, children learn to identify emotions, build friendships and connections, and develop healthy habits for success both inside and outside of the classroom.
If you are looking for a class that is more than lectures and textbooks, one that allows you to make a real difference, SOC 204: Cultural Differences may be the course for you. You will not only learn about diversity and inclusion but also live it through meaningful, community-based engagement. By joining, you will gain hands-on experience working with children, develop leadership and empathy, and play an important role in strengthening the bond between Mercyhurst University and the Erie community. Take the opportunity to be a part of something bigger, where learning meets purpose, and compassion changes lives.
If interested in this opportunity, please contact Michelle Kephart via email at mkephart@mercyhurst.edu or stop by her office in Preston 104.