Want to get involved on campus and in the community? With Civic Engagement at Wilkes,
you will. We open doors to a variety of opportunities for you to build empathy, self-awareness
and leadership skills through service to others. If you're ready, check out our current openings and sign up to volunteer!
If you want to get more involved but aren't sure how, reach out to Catie Becker.
Civic Engagement Opportunities
ASB Program
We cultivate community engaged leaders and learners through our Alternative Spring Break program that offers students, staff, and faculty immersive travel experiences throughout
our city, state, nation, and beyond.
Taking the lead
Our team of student leaders coordinates weekly, immersive and one-time volunteer programs
and opportunities in the local, regional and global community.
Federal work-study
Work alongside community partners to serve those in the greater Wilkes-Barre community.
Check out our opportunities!
Strength in numbers
We facilitate community engagement activities for student clubs, academic organizations
and athletic teams who want to share their specialized skills and knowledge with the
community.
Civic Engagement works with other campus offices and departments to ensure that students
have the opportunity to take their learning beyond campus and turn their community
into their classroom.
Why take part in Civic Engagement?
Community service. Community collaboration. At Wilkes, these aren’t just buzzwords.
They’re part of who we are as an institution, with students, clubs, athletics, faculty,
staff and administrators all getting involved to better understand the root causes
and interconnectedness between societal issues. We move students beyond volunteerism
to understand the power of collaboration with community partners and help you make
it a priority in your values and actions.
You'll see campus wide events that focus on giving back throughout the year at Wilkes!
From blood drives on campus, to food distributions across Luzerne county, and travel
with the ASB program, there's something for everyone. Through Civic Engagement, you'll have the opportunity
to access a variety of service and leadership opportunities typically only seen at
larger schools. Find the way that fits you and join us as a community collaborator!
Volunteering gives you the chance to meet other Colonels and have fun while growing
your understanding of local, national and international issues. Build your empathy,
self-awareness and leadership skills while helping others at the other end of the
block or on the other side of the world. While you collaborate with peers, service
organizations and agency partners, you’ll discover creative solutions with the potential
to lead to positive, impactful and sustainable change. As your involvement grows,
so will your confidence and creativity, helping you stand up and stand out regardless
of your chosen major or future career path.
How will you grow through Civic Engagement?
Explore social justice issues to determine where and how you can make a difference.
Develop creative problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment.
Learn to turn advocacy into action to help those in need.
Find out how smart risk-taking can lead to positive outcomes.
Interact with diverse groups to create a positive impact on campus, in the community
and out in the world.
Gain a sense of belonging and enjoyment through ludic and experiential learning. Fun,
play, playfulness and humor provide an opportunity to engage in civic imagination
and collaboration.
Creatively Connect and Serve
Interested in taking on a more serious role in your community? Join two national organizations
right here on campus! The Bonner Leader Program offers students the chance to join like-minded students throughout a four year service
journey and gain access to the Bonner Foundation external website that invites you to a community of 15,000+ alumni. You can also join the Wilkes chapter
of Alpha Phi Omega external website, a nationwide co-ed intercollegiate service organization. As a member, you'll share
the bonds of leadership, friendship and service with students at Wilkes and hundreds
of campuses across the country.
Powerfully Travel and Help
Leap into action and hit the road on one of our alternative break trips. Fall break
trips stick closer to home, while spring break volunteers venture to national and
international locations. Recent destinations include: