Community service shapes students into leaders who care about more than just grades. Many universities put service at the core of campus life. Some offer special centers for volunteer work, while others weave service into classes and research. Below is a look at ten universities known for doing this well.
1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA stays true to its public mission by encouraging students to serve Los Angeles and beyond. Through the UCLA Volunteer Center, students join clean-ups, tutoring, and health outreach.
Key Service Features:
- Volunteer Day kicks off each year
- Service trips during breaks
- Year-round programs with local schools and shelters
Students can volunteer on their own or through clubs linked to causes like food security and housing.
2. Tulane University
Tulane sits in New Orleans, a city that shaped its service focus after Hurricane Katrina. Public service is a graduation requirement here.
What Stands Out:
- Center for Public Service links coursework to volunteer work
- Partnerships with hundreds of local groups
- Students often help with education, rebuilding, and health care
Tulane students finish college with hands-on experience in community change.
3. Georgetown University
Georgetown ties service to its Jesuit roots. The Center for Social Justice helps students take action through direct service and research.
How Students Serve:
- DC Schools Project for tutoring and mentoring
- Alternative Spring Breaks in the US and abroad
- Advocacy work focused on poverty, health, and migration
Georgetown’s approach blends classroom learning with social justice action.
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC Chapel Hill runs one of the oldest public service centers, the Carolina Center for Public Service. Students find projects that match their studies.
Highlights:
- APPLES Service-Learning integrates classes with service
- Buckley Public Service Scholars earn credit for service work
- Local outreach from health care to housing help
Students help shape North Carolina’s communities while learning on the ground.
5. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan’s Ginsberg Center makes Ann Arbor a hub for civic work. Students work with nonprofits, local government, and schools.
Programs Include:
- Michigan Active Citizens Alternative Spring Breaks
- Project Community ties sociology courses to local service
- Year-round volunteer fairs and workshops
Michigan students often link service to social innovation and research.
6. Portland State University
Portland State weaves service deep into its urban mission. Community-based learning is part of nearly every program.
Students Can Join:
- Capstone courses that tackle local problems
- Partnerships with Portland schools and agencies
- Service projects that focus on sustainability and equity
Many students graduate with strong ties to Portland’s neighborhoods.
7. University of Maryland, College Park
UMD’s Leadership & Community Service-Learning office runs dozens of programs for local and global outreach.
Standout Features:
- Terps for Change: Weekly volunteer placements
- Alternative Breaks with global service trips
- Leadership training through service work
UMD blends civic engagement with leadership skills that last.
8. Stanford University
Stanford takes a hands-on approach through the Haas Center for Public Service. Students join service fellowships and design projects that help real communities.
Key Highlights:
- Cardinal Service programs offer paid service internships
- Service-Learning courses across majors
- Public Service Scholars build long-term community ties
Many Stanford grads keep working in social impact roles.
9. Duke University
Duke pushes students to act on big issues through the DukeEngage program.
How It Works:
- Fully funded summer projects around the world
- Focus on health, education, and sustainability
- Service-learning linked to research
Duke students grow leadership skills by serving on local and global levels.
10. Brown University
Brown’s Swearer Center is at the heart of its community mission. Service work blends with student-driven research and activism.
Students Join:
- Community Corps mentoring local youth
- Engaged Scholars Program connects service to coursework
- Fellowships for social innovation projects
Brown’s open curriculum helps students build service into any major.
Comparative Overview
These ten schools prove service shapes stronger students and communities. From local tutoring to global health work, students learn to lead, solve problems, and build trust. Many programs tie service to academics, showing that what happens in the classroom can change lives outside it.
Whether a student wants to tackle climate change, fight hunger, or lift up local schools, these universities show what’s possible when service comes first.
