December 2017, NJ schools – Each year, the three American Institute campuses in New Jersey invite students to “Adopt an AI Family” for the holidays. Students can submit an essay to nominate a family that needs some support to make the holidays special, whether their own family or someone they know on campus. Campus leaders select a family to adopt, without revealing their identity.
Each campus then creates a holiday tree covered in “ornaments” that describe items from the family’s holiday wish list. Students and staff buy and wrap the gifts, which are then delivered to the family before Christmas.
“We had wonderful participation this year,” said Toms River Campus President Tim Rodgers, who spearheaded the annual event when he first joined American Institute. “The Dental Assisting students were particularly energized, fulfilling almost all the wishes on their adopted AI family’s tree.”
One of the core values at American Institute is service to others, which includes service to fellow students.
“We have many students who balance their education with working and striving to meet basic needs for their families,” Mr. Rodgers said. “Everyone wants to make the holidays special, and what better place to start than by helping a fellow student.”
Students “Adopt an AI Family” to Share the Holiday Spirit
December 2017, NJ schools – Each year, the three American Institute campuses in New Jersey invite students to “Adopt an AI Family” for the holidays. Students can submit an essay to nominate a family that needs some support to make the holidays special, whether their own family or someone they know on campus. Campus leaders select a family to adopt, without revealing their identity.
Each campus then creates a holiday tree covered in “ornaments” that describe items from the family’s holiday wish list. Students and staff buy and wrap the gifts, which are then delivered to the family before Christmas.
“We had wonderful participation this year,” said Toms River Campus President Tim Rodgers, who spearheaded the annual event when he first joined American Institute. “The Dental Assisting students were particularly energized, fulfilling almost all the wishes on their adopted AI family’s tree.”
One of the core values at American Institute is service to others, which includes service to fellow students.
“We have many students who balance their education with working and striving to meet basic needs for their families,” Mr. Rodgers said. “Everyone wants to make the holidays special, and what better place to start than by helping a fellow student.”
