The Center for Social Impact connects community and campus to create high-impact academic opportunities that address local, national, and global challenges and develop individuals committed to creating a more just and equitable world.

Through community-engaged learning, students have the opportunity to:

  • Put classroom concepts into practice
  • Use their unique skills and talents to work in solidarity with the community to create a more just and equitable world
  • Develop a reflective practice that enables them to think critically

Community Engagement & Service Immersion Programs

A diverse group of people gathered in front of a house, smiling and enjoying each other's company.

Simply Smiles Service Immersion on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota

Each August, a group of Fairfield University students travels to South Dakota to construct homes, maintain the community garden, and facilitate a summer camp.

Four individuals standing closely together in front of a textured wall, engaged in conversation or enjoying each other's company.

Students Helping Students Tutoring and Mentoring Club

Volunteer to tutor and mentor students at Cesar Batalla School in Bridgeport, CT.

A woman and two boys are happily playing with colorful Legos on the floor, engaging in creative building activities.

Cesar Batalla Afterschool Mentor Positions

Volunteer for the afterschool program at Cesar Batalla School.

Two men collaborate on a project at a table in a classroom setting, focused and engaged in their work.

Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants Mentoring Program

Mentor refugee background students in Connecticut.

Become a Peer Leader

Each semester, the Center for Social Impact engages undergraduates as student leaders to their peers in community-engaged learning courses. After an application process, each Community-Engaged Associate works intensively with one professor to support a service-learning course that aligns with the associate's academic background and interests. The associates meet regularly with both faculty and fellow associates throughout the semester and attend professional development training facilitated by the Center for Social Impact.

Research and Publication Opportunities

  • Research and Publication Opportunities

    The Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning and Community-Based Research publishes written work by undergraduates in six categories. Published pieces contribute to the existing knowledge in a particular subject area.

  • Global Community-Engaged Learning Scholarships

    The Center for Social Impact offers scholarships for students engaged in community-engaged learning immersion experiences. Students who have been accepted into a community-engaged learning experience or a JUHAN program with an immersion component can apply for need-based funding to cover travel costs up to $1,000.