An important part of a well-rounded liberal arts and sciences education is understanding and responding to the needs of your community. At Puget Sound, we’re deeply connected to our Tacoma/Pierce County community and strive to create meaningful partnerships that enrich student learning and give back to our city and our region. Community-based learning opportunities allow you to make a positive impact volunteering with more than 250 local organizations while complementing what you’re learning in the classroom.
You may identify your own volunteer experience, or you may enroll in a number of departmental courses where service-learning is an embedded element of the course (e.g. BIOL 472, CLJ/REL 307, EDUC 295, MUS 140, etc.).
Programs and Resources
Students looking to get involved in the community by volunteering individually or by organizing a group of their peers can browse our list of community organizations to identify volunteer opportunities that align with their interests and values.
The Community Engagement Initiative at University of Puget Sound aims to create meaningful connections between students and the local Tacoma/Pierce County community. Students, staff, and faculty have the opportunity to receive funding to support their engagement in community-based learning projects and volunteerism.
Students who would like to volunteer or who are already volunteering in the community can enroll in Community-Based Learning Experience (EXLN 295). Students will explore the value and impact of community engagement alongside other student volunteers while also satisfying the Experiential Learning Core Requirement. Students receive guidance and support in the first weeks of the semester as they work to identify and coordinate their volunteer experience(s).
Alternative Break ("Alt. Break") programs take place over spring break and provide students an opportunity to engage in an immersive service-learning experience. Students can receive units of college credit for their participation.
Prospective first-year students with a passion for community service can apply to be a part of a first-year living learning community where they will live on the same floor as other service-minded peers. Participants learn about Tacoma through the lens of community service and engage in fun activities to build a sense of community in their first year.
The University of Puget Sound has a history of being one of the top Peace Corps volunteer-producing institutions! Students interested in serving in the Peace Corps after graduation can participate in the Peace Corps Prep Program to gain a competitive advantage for their future Peace Corps application.
Each spring, two continuing undergraduate students are awarded the Hurley Community Service Scholarship for their commitment to completing a community service project that fulfills an existing community need.
Each fall semester, students, staff, and faculty nominate current graduate and undergraduate students for the President’s Student Civic Leadership Awards. Nominated students will have demonstrated a commitment to service and civic leadership during their time as a Puget Sound student. Up to two students are selected annually.
