Oct 22, 2014 11:04 AM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Students at the University of Alabama will participate in beautification and enhancement projects at local elementary schools.

The UA Center for Sustainable Service Volunteerism is offering the second SERVE Better Together service event Saturday at Central and Maxwell elementary schools in the Tuscaloosa area. The program involves community service and creates a space for students to discuss the best way to overcome perceived obstacles of cultural differences.

"Last year's SERVE Better Together event was one of the best experiences I have had at UA serving our community," Sarah Bates-Berry, lead office associate for the center, said in a statement. "I met so many great students from all different religious and nonreligious backgrounds whom I would not have had the chance to meet otherwise."

At Central Elementary School, students will help build an outdoor library with benches, bookcases, a stage and a "throne of knowledge." At Maxwell Elementary school, students will paint some of the walls to brighten the school's atmosphere.

After the service projects, participating students will go to Manderson Landing to reflect on "promoting a spirit of unity on campus." The point that University of Alabama students are "better together" will be central in these exchanges.

"As the campus grows more diverse each year, it becomes more important to create opportunities to foster global citizenship and promote cultural understanding," organizers of the event said.

The Center for Sustainable Service and Volunteerism is cosponsoring the event with UA Crossroads' Better Together interfaith initiative. Funds for the program come from Target Foundation grants awarded for the 2014-2015 academic.

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