Student leaders champion diversity beyond the classroom

Brooklyn Baumhardt, Hadeel Hilala, and Julia Wilmesmeier share one common interest outside their courses – the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC).

SCEC is the student chapter of the National Council for Exceptional Children, which works to broaden their understanding and knowledge of diversity within education. SCEC provides volunteer opportunities for all students to gain unique experiences working closely with and for children and adults with disabilities.

BS in Elementary Inclusive Education

Co-president Hadeel is a special and elementary education major. SCEC event coordinator Brooklyn and social media coordinator Julia are speech language hearing science majors. SCEC welcomes students from all majors and has minimal time commitment, allowing students to be involved in multiple organizations.

“My time with the organization has helped me step outside my comfort zone and become more confident, which I will need as an educator,” says Hadeel.

SCEC has collaborated on-and off-campus with The Arc Minnesota, CCRI and Addie’s Royal Cupcake Stand. Through each opportunity, group members have gained hands-on experience working with people with disabilities and local organizations and broadened their leadership, communication, and coordination skills by planning events and activities.

Addie’s Royal Cupcake stand was brought to MSUM to sell cupcakes. SCEC understood her mission, selling cupcakes to raise money to make kids’ dreams come true and assisting with her stand on campus.

“It was impactful. Knowing that our group can make that much of a difference is amazing,” Brooklyn says.

SCEC also partnered with MSUM’s Letters of Love card-making night. Letters of Love is a global initiative providing handmade cards to children in hospitals around the world. Students can express their creativity while simultaneously spreading positivity to children.

Through these partnerships, SCEC leaders reflect on how their involvement will impact their post-grad life.

“I’ve become more outgoing since I entered my position with SCEC,” Brooklyn says, “The leadership skills I’ve learned, along with collaboration and hands-on experience, will set me apart in the future.”

Student Council for Exceptional Children meets once a month on Tuesday nights to discuss their upcoming plans. Their outreach is mainly through posters, Instagram, and Dragon Central. Events and meetings are optional and always open to new members eager to gain practical experience for their future careers.

“Even if it doesn’t relate to your intended career path, everyone can benefit from learning more about inclusion and advocating for others,” Julia says.