Community Service
Community service is for everyone! Whether you're looking to get connected to the local community, explore new interests, give back to a cause you care about, or fulfill a service-hour requirement, volunteering provides meaningful opportunities to make a difference while gaining valuable experiences that support your personal, academic, and professional growth.
The Student Activities Office is here to guide you as you explore opportunities that fit your interests or goals. Email us with questions or opportunities!
Why Volunteer?
Community service offers many benefits, including:
- Discovering new learning experiences through hands-on involvement in the community.
- Making a positive impact while building meaningful connections with others.
- Developing leadership and management skills through organizing projects, leading teams, and supporting community initiatives.
- Building skills for the job market, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
- Exploring interests beyond the classroom and discovering new passions, career paths, and opportunities for personal growth.
How to Find Service and Volunteer Opportunities
Events on MyWPI
Individual volunteer opportunities are posted throughout the year on MyWPI. Search for events using the "Service" tag to find upcoming opportunities, including community cleanups, food pantry support, tutoring programs, fundraising events, and more.
Create Your Own Service Opportunity
Have a cause you're passionate about or a nonprofit you'd like to support? Take the initiative and reach out directly to a community organization. Many agencies welcome volunteers and can help match your skills and interests with current needs.
Volunteer Through a Student Organization
WPI is home to more than 25 service-focused student organizations that regularly engage with the local community. Joining a service club is a great way to meet other students while making a meaningful impact through ongoing volunteer projects and community partnerships.
Connect with Local Nonprofits
Many community organizations post volunteer openings online. Explore volunteer agency listings through organizations such as the United Way and other local nonprofit networks to find opportunities that align with your interests, skills, and availability.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Start small. Attend a one-time service event, connect with a service-focused student organization, or explore local nonprofit volunteer opportunities. No matter how you get involved, volunteering is a great way to build skills, make connections, and contribute to the Worcester community.
Fulfilling Your Federal Work-Study (FWS) Community Service Requirement
Students who receive Federal Work-Study funding are required to complete community service hours as part of their award. There are two ways to fulfill this requirement, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your interests, availability, and career goals.
Not sure where to start? Check out the pre-approved list on the Financial Aid website to see which organizations allow you to volunteer without Financial Aid pre-approval paperwork.
Ways to Complete your Community Service Hours for Federal Work Study
One-Time and Flexible Service Opportunities
Looking for a flexible way to complete your required community service hours? Throughout the year, the Student Activities Office (SAO) promotes a variety of individual and one-time volunteer opportunities.
These opportunities may include:
- Community clean-up projects
- Food pantry and meal service programs
- Youth mentoring and tutoring events
- Nonprofit fundraising events
- Community festivals and special events
- Service projects hosted by student organizations
This option is ideal for students who want to volunteer occasionally while balancing academics, extracurricular involvement, and other commitments. Service opportunities are regularly shared through campus communications and MyWPI (search using the "service" filter on the events page) and through the "Service Weekly" email sent to all students.
Community Service Work-Study (CSWS) Internship Opportunities
Students may also choose to work in a Community Service Work-Study (CSWS) position. These paid positions are coordinated through the Student Activities Office and place students with local nonprofit organizations and community agencies throughout the Worcester area.
In a CSWS position, students can earn their entire Federal Work-Study award while making a meaningful impact in the community. Examples of CSWS roles include:
- Youth mentor or tutor
- School program assistant
- Community outreach assistant
- Museum visitor services representative
- Administrative assistant for a nonprofit
- Community service event coordinator
- Program support staff for local agencies and schools
This option is ideal for students seeking a regular schedule with a guaranteed volunteer commitment at a "new to you" agency or a cause the students might be passionate about.
Unlike one-time volunteer opportunities, a Community Service Work-Study position allows you to earn your Federal Work-Study award while building consistent professional experience over the course of the academic year. Students often leave their CSWS roles with stronger résumés, expanded professional networks, and a clearer understanding of their career interests.
Community Service Work Study Jobs
Check out current CSWS job and internship opportunities to find a position that matches your interests and helps you fulfill your Federal Work-Study requirement.
Positions are only available from the first day of class in A-Term to the last day of class in D-Term.
Position List coming soon!