Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, has announced a $7.1 million gift to establish a program that will encourage SU students to serve community organizations focused on youth development in the Susquehanna Valley.

The gift from a longtime supporter of the university who wishes to remain anonymous will be used to establish the Susquehanna Services Leaders Program, hire a coordinator for the program, and fund scholarships for the program's first six ten-student cohorts. SU Service leaders will receive $5,000 a year to work eight to ten hours a week at organizations focused on youth development and related areas such as education, health care, nutrition, employment, and arts and culture. Over their four years in the program, students will take on increasing responsibilities, advancing from regular volunteers to advocates for their organization and population served.

"The donor hopes that as a result of this program, more young people in our area will come to see college as a possibility or  consideration for themselves," said Susquehanna University president L. Jay Lemons. "The examples set by our SU Service Leaders in the context of working with community partners will be meaningful."