Community Engagement

Student with the Wellness Elevated program coaches a community member through stretches

A student leads a balance class for senior community members for the Wellness Elevated program

As an Exercise & Sport Science student at Western, you’ll gain hands-on experience in community health and wellness initiatives. Through Wellness Elevated, you’ll design exercise programs for individuals with clinical conditions and lead nutrition workshops on meal planning and healthy eating.

You’ll also develop and teach physical education lessons in local schools and run after-school activity programs with Gunnison Elementary School and Gunnison Parks and Recreation. These experiences align with the CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model, preparing you for careers in health promotion, sports nutrition, and fitness education.

Engaging in community health and wellness initiatives as an Exercise & Sport Science student at Western goes beyond the classroom—it’s an opportunity to apply your skills in real-world settings while building a strong professional portfolio. Whether designing fitness programs, leading nutrition workshops, or working with local schools, you’ll gain practical experience that prepares you for a career in health, wellness, and fitness education.

By participating in these hands-on experiences, you’ll develop industry-ready skills, make a positive impact in the community, and build a resume that stands out in the fields of health promotion, sports nutrition, and fitness education.

Through Wellness Elevated, you’ll create supervised exercise plans for individuals with clinical conditions, gaining experience in fitness programming and rehabilitation.

Student facilitates a workout for an elderly community member on an exercise bike

Design meal plans and host workshops on healthy eating, meal prep, and grocery shopping, strengthening your expertise in sports nutrition and community outreach.

Student walks on an inclined treadmill simulating a trek to Mt. Everest base camp for data

Work with local schools to develop and deliver physical education lessons, helping kids stay active while refining your instructional skills.

Students smile and check their watches before a time trial in a HAP class

Partner with Gunnison Elementary School and Gunnison Parks and Recreation to organize and lead youth physical activity programs, applying the CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model to promote overall wellness.

Collaborate with faculty, health professionals, and community leaders, establishing valuable connections for future internships and job opportunities.