“Through my experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA, I’ve seen the life-changing effects that come from giving people opportunities to do more,” explained Jack Hanson. The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development will soon welcome Hanson as an Applied Community and Economic Development Fellow in applied economics.
Hanson has been interested in economics since high school. At St. Olaf College he double majored in economics and Russian area studies. Hanson says that he chose to pursue graduate school with the Stevenson Center to learn more about community development while gaining practical skills and using that knowledge. In his spare time, he hopes to continue to play the clarinet and bass clarinet, a talent he’s nurtured for most of his life.
Hanson is now concluding his service with AmeriCorps VISTA at Habitat for Humanity Lake County. His focus over the last year has been on marketing and development. Hanson noted: “It is really special to me, as I’m doing this in my home county, so now I am able to give back to the community that gave me so much. Helping people receive safe and affordable housing changes lives and allows people to flourish, and I’m humbled to be a part of that.”
Through its applied, interdisciplinary graduate programs, the Stevenson Center cultivates leaders in public service. The center welcomes those who have at least one year of full-time experience in community development or social services, whether through employment or programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps. The Stevenson Center also manages the Peace Corps Prep program for undergraduate students interested in Peace Corps service or careers in the public sector.
Shaylin Quaid is the Stevenson Center’s public relations intern.
