Public and Community Service Projects

What is it?

For generations, Berkeley students have been at the forefront of social change movements. Today, students continue to find passion, purpose, and community through their work with national, state, and local community organizations and government agencies. Discover what we can do together when we work collectively and collaboratively for change!

Why do it?

The values and practices of democracy must be learned anew with each generation. Working with others to realize a truly inclusive, living democracy has its own intrinsic rewards and prepares you for lifelong active engagement in shifting the trajectory of our world.  What do you care about? What social issues do you seek to change? What excites you? Frustrates you? What moves you to action?  Keep those questions in mind as you seek classes, talk to advisors, visit offices on campus, and connect with your fellow students and community partners.

How do I get started?

• Explore public service-focused programs on campus.
  Visit the Discovery Opportunities Database to explore offerings from units such as the  Public Service Center, Blum Center, UCDC, Institute of Governmental Studies, Labor Center, the ASUC Vote Coalition, and Student Environmental Resource Center where you can find opportunities such as mentoring elementary and middle school students, interning at a community organization or governmental agency, getting involved in nonpartisan voter engagement, working on issues areas like criminal justice, climate change, homelessness, food insecurity, public health or social welfare, or engage in service overseas. 

• Join a service-focused student club. 
  You can visit the OASIS (Center for Organization Advising and Student Involvement Services) to learn about student service organizations, search for student service clubs in your areas of interest on CalLink, or you can join one of the sixteen service clubs that the Public Service Center supports through our Community Projects program.

• Take a course.
  In order to graduate, you will be required to complete an American Cultures course.  Courses that are offered through the American Cultures Engaged Scholarship (ACES)  include opportunities for students to participate in collaborative projects with community partners as part of exploring the course content. Check out this list of ACES courses! You can also find courses on social change through the Changemakers program. If you’re interested in ending Global Poverty, consider the Global Poverty and Practice minor.

• Explore public service scholarships and fellowships.
  The Discovery Opportunities Database contains many public service listings. Whether you’re early in your public service journey or have been working on an issue for a few years, there are opportunities to get resources and support for your work. The Peter E. Haas Jr. Public Service Leaders program, The Donald Strauss Scholarship, and Californians For All College Corps provide generous scholarships and awards to support students engaged in public and community service during their time at Cal, while the John Gardner Fellowship, Shinnyo-en College Access Fellowship, and Judith Lee Stronach Baccalaureate Prize offer opportunities for graduating students to receive one year of funding to pursue public and community service in their first year after college.