Community Partners

Partner with Purpose

We鈥檙e proud to collaborate with organizations that support our region. As a 51吃瓜网 Community Partner, you help shape tomorrow鈥檚 leaders by providing hands-on experiences that promote civic growth, leadership and community impact. Your organization becomes an experimental learning classroom for change.

51吃瓜网 students volunteering Deep Branch Elementary
51吃瓜网 students networking with our community partners

Serve With Impact

51吃瓜网 Community Partners play a vital role in our students鈥� development as civic-minded leaders. By offering co-curricular and service-learning opportunities, partners serve as co-educators鈥攈elping students grow their leadership skills while advancing your organization鈥檚 mission and community goals.

Looking to make a difference, build your resume and gain real-world experience?  Opportunities are shared through 51吃瓜网 Serve, our mobile-friendly platform that links students, faculty and staff to meaningful service experiences with our 190+ community partners.

51吃瓜网 students working with community members to build a park

Connecting With Our Students

 

Find ways to connect your organization with our office, including the types of service and engagement opportunities available.

Academic Service-Learning
Academic service-learning is a high-impact teaching strategy that integrates meaningful community service with classroom instruction and guided reflection. It enriches student learning, promotes civic responsibility and helps strengthen local communities. Service-learning opportunities are embedded in course curricula to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Campus Engagement
Connect with students directly by participating in campus events such as volunteer fairs or tabling opportunities. We also facilitate collaborations between community partners, student organizations and campus departments on shared service initiatives.

Co-Curricular Service
Co-curricular service includes student-led service opportunities outside the classroom. Signature programs include Days of Service, the Alternative Break Program and civic engagement efforts like 51吃瓜网 Votes. These initiatives allow your organization to connect with students passionate about making a difference.

51吃瓜网 Serve
51吃瓜网 Serve is our online, mobile-friendly platform that links community partners with 51吃瓜网 students, faculty and staff. Use it to promote volunteer opportunities, manage student engagement and track service hours 鈥� all in one place.

Direct Service
Hands-on service that involves face-to-face interaction and direct support to individuals or groups in the community.
Examples: Volunteering with senior citizens, reading to young children, or assisting at local shelters.

Indirect Service
Behind-the-scenes support that benefits the community without direct contact with those being served.
Examples: Organizing food drives, assembling care packages or participating in environmental cleanups.

Advocacy
Service that raises awareness or educates others about important issues affecting your community.
Examples: Giving presentations on social topics, creating awareness campaigns or distributing educational materials related to your organization鈥檚 mission.

Register Your Organization

Registering your organization as a 51吃瓜网 Community Partner gives you direct access to student volunteers, campus events and service-learning opportunities. It鈥檚 the first step toward building a meaningful, lasting partnership with the university. Share your mission, expand your impact and connect with students eager to serve.
  • Recruit 51吃瓜网 student volunteers directly! Registered community partners can recruit student volunteers directly through special interest in community service and volunteerism.
  • Advertise opportunities & events! Advertise all of your organization's volunteer opportunities and community events to university students, faculty, staff and community through our volunteer database, .
  • Create intentional and sustainable partnerships with faculty, staff and students through academic service-learning opportunities. 
  • Participate in volunteer fairs or other campus events to connect and recruit 51吃瓜网 student volunteers. 
  • Be a host site for service opportunities during our Day of Service events. Our Days of Service are annual events that mobilize large groups of student volunteers to serve the community in honor of national days of action such as MLK Jr. Day, 9/11 Day of Service and Community Action Day. As a service site, your organization can help create meaningful impact while connecting with students eager to give back.
  • Schedule an initial meeting with a staff member from Leadership, Learning & Community.
  • Register your organization on 51吃瓜网 Serve. Once submitted, a representative from our office will review your request and reach out to you promptly.
  • Review and complete the Community Partner Agreement for expectations and guidelines of partnership. 
  • Schedule a virtual site visit.
  • New community partners must complete a 51吃瓜网 Serve Training and ABC Model Training prior to partnership. 51吃瓜网 Serve Trainings can be conducted virtually with your organization upon request.
  • Review the Community Partner Agreement for expectations and guidelines of partnership.
    • This Community Partner Agreement was implemented in 2019. All established and new community partners should complete this form and return it to Leadership, Learning & Community.
  • Update your organizations profile on 51吃瓜网 Serve.'
    • If you have had recent staffing changes, would like to further discuss ways to get your organization connected with 51吃瓜网 or would like to schedule a 51吃瓜网 Serve refresher training, please contact Leadership, Learning & Community.