For Students

The best way to learn about how to make a difference in the world is to engage with your community and learn from those around you.  The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement provides a variety of options. 

To be notified of new opportunities as they arise, we encourage you to: Receive our weekly newsletter; like our Facebook page; follow our Twitter feed; or subscribe to our blog. 

 Service-Learning Courses

Earn course credit for community based work. Register for a course that includes a service-learning assignment or work with our Center to create an independent study course on your own. 

 Alternative Break Program

Over winter, spring and summer breaks, student teams travel near and far to address community needs through direct service.  You have the option of earning course credit for these experiences as well. 

 

Federal Work-Study Placements in the Community

If you qualify for financial aid, you can earn your Federal Work-Study award through service in the community. Our Center is working with local nonprofits to create more opportunities all the time. Learn more about Federal Work Study and to Find Federal work Study Opportunities, Go to HireMason and search for Federal Work-Study positions.

Volunteerism 

In addition to sponsoring activities like the annual Mason AIDSWalk team, CLCE has a partnership with Volunteer Fairfax, a local organization with a up-to-day database of volunteer for opportunities within the local community. Here on campus, there are many student organizations that focus on volunteerism.  

Leadership

Our Center offers several leadership courses and a Leadership Studies minor through New Century College.  If you are looking for cocurricular leadership training opportunities, we highly recommend the programs offered by our colleagues in the LEAD office. LEAD's offerings include leadership conferences, seminars, dialogue/speaker series, retreats, and student groups. 

Academic Minors

The minor in Leadership Studies helps prepare students to lead effectively in the 21st century. It provides a broad understanding of leadership in contemporary times and emphasizes civic engagement. Through the required coursework, students examine theories of leadership, analyze methods and styles of leadership, and participate in experiences to develop their own leadership skills.

The minor in nonprofit studies is designed to introduce students to the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to be successful in this sector. Through heavy emphasis on experiential learning with the many excellent nonprofit organizations in our region, students learn to apply theory within the context of today’s complex and rapidly changing environment. Through the new Nonprofit Fellows program, a select cohort of students earn the minor in a single semester.