Are you looking for a way to help out and make a difference in our community?
The Thayne Center for Service & Learning at Salt Lake Community College offers an array of volunteer opportunities to bring about positive change in the community, which could be just what you need given the extra time you will have this summer.
Here are some of the different service options you can start planning for next year.
America Reads
SLCC students can serve as tutors through the America Reads work study program. Eligible students who have filed a FAFSA can earn up to $13 an hour as a literacy tutor. Students who do not qualify for a work study award can still serve as volunteer tutors.
When asked about the America Reads program, Ethan, a graphic design student at SLCC, said, “That sounds super cool. It always feels good to help others in need and the work-study award is always a nice bonus.”
Alternative Break
The Thayne Center also offers an Alternative Break program during fall and spring breaks at SLCC. Students get to travel and help find solutions to different problems in communities all around the country. All of these events address current societal issues such as food insecurity, immigration, LGBTQ+, homelessness and animal advocacy.
The Alternative Break program is a great way to get out into the world, meet new people and help make a positive impact in our country.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps gives students the chance to receive an educational award for their service. This award can be used to pay off qualified student loans or even current tuition at SLCC and some universities. Volunteer opportunities can be on campus, such as a shift in the Bruin Pantry, or off campus.
Bruin Pantry
The Thayne Center opened the Taylorsville Redwood Bruin Pantry to expand the amount of food and supplies available to students in need. The Bruin Pantry, as well as the Bruin Campus Cupboard at South City Campus, rely on student volunteers to take shifts.
Ashley, a fashion student at SLCC, said, “Helping out at the Bruin Pantry has really helped me grow as a person by me assisting others. I’m really glad I got to help out.”
Civically Engaged Scholars
A Civically Engaged Scholar spends their time using the knowledge and wisdom they learned in their service-learning courses to tackle important social issues in the community. Students who become Civically Engaged Scholars receive special recognition, both on their transcript and at graduation. The Thayne Center has a list of community partners for students who need help finding an organization to serve with.
SLiCE
Students who join SLiCE, aka Student Leaders in Civic Engagement, meet with local nonprofits to better understand the needs of the community, and encourage other students to participate in service opportunities. Members can receive a full tuition waiver for living expenses or $2,200 for future tuition.
