For the past few years, Great Lakes volunteers from various cities have had the opportunity to connect with elementary school students through a pen pal program.

During the school year, pen pals write back and forth in books that are transported between schools and Great Lakes offices. Students are able to improve reading, writing, and communication skills, all while learning about someone new.

After the school year, the pen pals who formally only knew each other only through words get the chance to meet in person. On May 17, the Great Lakes volunteers participated in craft making and snack time with their elementary pen pals.

Thank you to all of the Great Lakes volunteers for living up to Nelnet’s core value of giving back to our communities!