Engage with local communities through volunteer work and service-learning projects. These experiences foster civic responsibility, social awareness, and allow you to make a positive impact on the communities you care about.
Types of Volunteer Experiences
🎓 Education & Mentorship
- Tutoring and Mentoring Programs: Support K–12 students or peers academically and personally.
- Campus-Community Partnerships: Join university-sponsored initiatives connecting students with local needs.
❤️ Health & Wellness
- Public Health Outreach: Help with health education, screenings, or wellness programs.
- Internships with Community Impact: Work with organizations focused on health, social justice, or sustainability.
🗳️ Civic & Social Engagement
- Civic Engagement Projects: Promote voter registration, public policy awareness, or advocacy.
- Community-Based Research: Collaborate on research addressing real-world issues.
🎨 Arts & Environment
- Community Arts Projects: Contribute to murals, performances, or exhibits that uplift community voices.
- Environmental Stewardship Projects: Participate in clean-ups, conservation, or sustainability efforts.
🚀 How to Get Started
Step 1: Reflect
- Identify causes you care about (e.g., education, environment, health, equity).
Step 2: Explore Opportunities
- Try a one-time event or short-term project.
- Join a student organization focused on service or advocacy.
- Attend campus volunteer fairs or info sessions.
Step 3: Connect
- Talk to faculty or advisors about service-learning courses.
- Research local nonprofits via VolunteerMatch or United Way.
📬 Campus Resources
Office of Volunteer Programs and Service Learning: Find them on Engage.
- California Campus: Email volunteer-calu@pennwest.edu
- Clarion, Edinboro & Online Campuses: Contact Missy Dunn at dunn@pennwest.edu
Handshake: Browse “Non-profit & Volunteer Opportunities” in a PennWest University Collection.
