Community Service Learning: The benefits go both ways!

You can help to meet real community need AND gain valuable experience that will support your academic and career goals!  Research and experience teach us that sustained involvement in a community service role --once a week for a semester or an academic year-- is much more beneficial to all involved: community partner organizations, individuals (especially children and youth) served, and the students providing the service.  You'll have a better, deeper, richer experience, learn more, and have more meaningful experience for your resume if you complete a semester or two of service and learning.

Our core programs focus on service that supports COLLEGE ACCESS for underprivileged K-12 students.  Across the nation and here in Maine, aspiration, readiness, and access to higher education is critical.  We'll address the need in our local community by mobilizing students to serve in two important ways: 

• After School Programs - Serve an afternoon or two a week in one of our school and community based after school enrichment programs, helping elementary, middle or high school kids with homework and learning activities.

• USMentors - Become a positive presence in the life of a middle school or high school student in Portland, to encourage self-esteem, academic achievement, and college aspirations by meeting at school for an hour a week through the academic year.

CONNECT YOUR SERVICE to your academic and career goals!    Increasing numbers of courses and instructors include service learning, which enables you to extend your learning into the community.  Also, many majors require or offer an internship which can be in a non-profit placement, making a difference while you learn and gain valuable experience.  Ask your academic advisor to guide you, or contact us for assistance. 

ANNUAL USM SERVICE DAYS offer opportunities to join with other USM students in one-time projects to help the community.  Contact us for details or to sign up!

• Welcome Weekend Service Project
• College Experience Day
• New Mainers' Day
• USM Day of Service 
  

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL BREAK (ASB) is a group of students who travel to a service site for a week long project in a community outside of Greater Portland during Winter (February) Break and again during Spring (March) Break. Students serve the community they are visiting and then have a chance to explore the area during their off time!

GROUP or INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS for you or your student organization can be arranged.   We'll work with you to identify a good community partner and organize a project that serves both you and the community.  Here is list of community partners that can handle short-term group projects; contact us for more help.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING on your own may be more to your liking.  Here's a listing of other community needs posted as a service to organizations who need volunteer help.  Contact them directly to vounteer, but remember to report your service for our records.