Beloit students take summer vacations from class but not service. From internationally known businesses to nonprofits that are cornerstones of the community, service through scholarship provides students, regardless of their interests or career path, with practical insights that complement their academic studies and continue the Beloit tradition of building a better world.

Reaching out through research

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a two-year program focused on empowering Beloit College students to change higher education. Poised and passionate, these members of the class of 2027 spent their summer on the Beloit College campus completing their own research guided by faculty mentors. The McNair Scholars were – Gabriela Carranza-Torres ’27, Sydney McClellan ’27, Amili Paer ’27, Joshua Miguel Martinez-Marte, Jake Fein ’27, Kierra Hoover, ’27, and Ryan P. McConagle ’27.

Presenting at a campus showcase in August, they increased public awareness on topics including environmental impacts on red-winged blackbirds, student athletes’ attitudes towards a luxury tax, working-class political attitudes, and narrative storytelling about trauma, all while developing their research skills and self-awareness about stepping up, committing, and staying dedicated to the process. 

Martinez-Marte offers this advice to future participants: “Make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. That it’s a problem to be solved. Then, you’ll solve it, even with setbacks.” The seven students reaffirmed their love for research and their ability to work through adversity during their final presentations in August, completing the six-week research opportunity.

This summer experience is designed to build understanding of a selected topic, its applicability at Beloit College, and in the world at large. “A smaller idea is still impactful. It’s valuable even when it’s not what you originally expected,” reflected Carranza-Torres.

Understanding the business of community

Other students spent their summer discovering the impact of data through marketing for profit and nonprofit business.

Belmark Associates, a college-run market research firm, has for several years conducted an annual “Sense of Place” survey on behalf of Acts Housing, a Beloit nonprofit that assists families with homeownership. Students working for Belmark lead a data collection project that involves going door-to-door in the Hackett and Merrill neighborhoods, knocking on doors and speaking to neighbors in multiple languages.

These student researchers collect and compile survey data that reports demographics, household income levels and behavioral patterns in neighborhoods. The collection covers important questions such as “Do you feel safe in your neighborhood?” and “How often do you talk to your immediate neighbors?”

“Surveying for Acts Housing has been one of the biggest learning experiences of my college career. It was a great opportunity for me to gain hands-on technical skills and connect deeper with the surrounding Beloit community. I learned how to do market research for a real client, had meaningful conversations with different types of people, and how to collaborate with my teammates,” says May Myint Mo Zaw ’27. 

This project wasn’t the only Belmark project this summer. A separate group of students led a project for the Downtown Beloit Association, conducted research about consumer habits at the Beloit Farmers Market, collecting attendance data, and more.

Jumpstarting Rock County businesses

Rosa makes an impact at Rock County Jumpstart.One other student who made a notable difference this summer through community-based learning is Rosa Solis ’26. Working with Professor Sylvia López , Genia Stevens ’00, Rock County Jumpstart Founder and Executive Director, selected Rosa, a computer science major and McNair Scholar, in a competitive application process.

Throughout the spring and into the summer, Rosa collected data, enriched programming, and paved the way for future innovation. “One of the most meaningful parts of my internship at Rock County Jumpstart was the opportunity to work closely with so many dedicated and inspiring business owners,” said Rosa.

Interacting with Jumpstart members professionally and personally increased her understanding of their goals, challenges, and perspectives. She recognizes that her cultural competency played a key role in building a safe and supportive environment that honored members’ diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Stevens says, “To say [Rosa] made the most of her time with us would be an understatement. As our Jumpstart STEM Program Intern, Rosa showed up for every class, every workshop, and every challenge we threw her way. She coordinated group meetings, helped participants polish their Showcase presentations, and became a go-to resource for navigating AI tools.”

Stepping back onto campus this fall, these Beloit students are ready to answer the easiest question they’ve been asked in months. “What did you do this summer?” Their answers … Discovered my passion. Solved problems. Made a difference. Built community. Worked towards building a better world.