High-schooler Sarah Smialek has a history of serving others. She spends her summers working with special education students, teaching math, science, and physical education. Despite her stellar resume, Smialek was surprised by a nomination that would allow her to represent Dartmouth in a Boston-based project.

Project 351 trains one nominated, eighth-grade student from each municipality (totaling 351, although not every city or town partakes) through service projects, including a Spring clothing drive, a September 11 tribute, and a Fall food drive. The nonprofit's goal is to empower youth with goal-setting and teamwork skills.

"You learn leadership skills, communication skills, and how important it is to get a team of friends together and build something up," explained Smialek.

Now a junior, Smialek will be part of the 2017 Alumni Leadership Council. Her role is to guide eighth graders and freshmen in their leadership development, she said. Fellow Dartmouth student Samaya Roukoz will join her this year.

However, Smialek does recall the lengthy application and training process from when she was nominated as an eighth grader.

Applicants must submit two short letters, two essays, and two recommendation letters, she said. Post-acceptance, students go through a six-week training that teaches them basics in event planning and advertising. It's all worth it though, said Smialek.

"After I got picked, it emphasized that everything you do is really a chain reaction," she said. "It opened my mind on how my one little action can create this spark and make a difference in the world."

Smialek isn't quite sure where she'll head post-graduation, but she knows she'll be putting the learned skills to use.

"I want to make a service project to help homeless people and low-income families. I want to make sure people have the necessities to thrive, and survive, and succeed," she said.

The 2017 launch day is scheduled for January in Boston.