Students preforming

Civic Engagement

Get Involved With The Community

Student Involvement and Connections' dedication to civic engagement involved educating students to be socially conscious, skilled, and committed to a just, diverse, and democratic community. Civic engagement offers a wide range of community service programs, which provide students the opportunity to be engaged, explore the root causes of social issues, foster reciprocal relationships with community members, and gain cultural competence.

Through direct service, education, and reflection, students will realize and understand the importance of civic responsibility, explore ways in which they can impact their local, national, and global communities, and become active citizens.

Why Civic Engagement?

Civic Engagement is a term used to describe activities that promote the bridging of communities with socially conscious thought and action. Our office works to build student awareness on issues impacting the community, as well as facilitate the opportunities for students to actively participate in activities of community organizations.

Alternative Breaks Program

The Alternative Breaks Program (ABP) is a student-organized and led program that provides opportunities for students to participate in meaningful direct service activities that address critical social issues. Throughout its history, the program has experienced growth in both the number of service projects and the quality of the students' experiences. Students are encouraged to serve in communities they may be unfamiliar with, do work they may not have done before, and build relationships with people they likely would not meet otherwise.

Student Opportunities and Employment

The Office of Student Involvement and Connections provides undergraduate students with a variety of professional development opportunities, both on campus and with local service agencies in the surrounding community.

Bear Necessities Market

The Bear Necessities Market is an on-campus food pantry for students facing food insecurity and hunger.

St. Germain Campus Center

Community Engagement Fair

The Community Engagement Fair offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to meet with community partners looking for individuals to support their efforts to meet the needs of the community on a wide variety of issues. The fair occurs every September and is a great way to learn about where and how you can make a difference in the Springfield community. Approximately 20-25 community-based agencies attend the fair. The Community Engagement Fair is held within the first two weeks of the fall semester. If you missed the fair, don't worry! Visit the Office of Student Involvement and Conections where they are happy to connect you with our partners.

Contact Information

Student Involvement and Connections
St. Germain Campus Center

413-782-1203
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