The Liberal Studies mission emphasizes students, faculty, and administrators working collaboratively to develop “global leaders that will become agents of change in a changing world.” Opportunities for civic engagement, service, and leadership are thus integral to the mission and goals of LS and New York University. Below are a selection of options for making a difference as an LS student.
Service & Civic Engagement
Day of Service
During Orientation, new LS students are invited to volunteer for one of several service projects sponsored on campus and throughout NYC. Each service project emphasizes a particular community or social justice issue, which allows students and other volunteers to contribute toward issues that resonate with them.
LS Service Ambassadors
Students that have demonstrated commitment to service and civic engagement. Service Ambassadors participate in a year long program partnering with organizations across New York City to promote awareness of social issues and service opportunities.
LS Alternative Breaks
The Liberal Studies Alternative Breaks (LSAB) program is designed to bring together students interested in service learning and creating social change. The program provides an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and strong friendships, and share rewarding experiences while engaging in both domestic and/or international service. Students will participate in service and educational outings throughout the fall and spring semesters, and participate in an Alternative Break during spring break. Previous LSAB programs in particular have traveled to Detroit & Flint, Michigan, and Antigua, Guatemala.
LS Volunteer Grants
Students who volunteer on an ongoing basis with NYC community organizations are eligible to apply for small grants through Liberal Studies. These grants help offset some of the costs associated with volunteerism, such as transportation and meals. Applicants must be matriculated LS students. Awards range from $100 to $250.
Social Impact Grants
Social Impact Grants fund student initiatives that involve making a difference in communities and enriching the quality of life. These grants model the idea that contributing back to a particular community is both an important educational experience and critical preparation for the practice of global citizenship. Applicants must be matriculated Liberal Studies students in at least the second semester of their first year. Awards range from $500 to $2,000.
The Violet Pantry
The Violet Pantry is a student-run food pantry open to all members of the Liberal Studies community. Developed by the Liberal Studies Service Ambassadors to bolster food security, it is stocked with non-perishable foods and fresh produce, as well as personal hygiene products and books. Contact lsvioletpantry@nyu.edu to donate.
NYU Green Grants
NYU Green Grants are awarded to improve the university’s environmental performance, foster environmental literacy and community engagement, advance applied research and design, and demonstrate the viability of best practices and technologies for sustainability.
Project Outreach
A week-long program prior to NYU’s Welcome Week that pairs service-minded incoming first year and transfer students with peer mentors to learn about and perform service throughout New York City.
Service and Volunteer Fairs
At the beginning of each semester, NYU Service and the Center for Student Activities, Leadership and Service (CSALS) host a campus-wide fair to connect students with local non-profit and community-based organizations offering internships and/or volunteer opportunities.
America Reads & America Counts
Programs that encourage youth reading and mathematics skills
Community Service Project Grants
Funding for service projects or unpaid internships
Generation Citizen
GC volunteers, called Democracy Coaches, partner with teachers to teach an innovative action-based civics curriculum. Democracy Coaches help students identify a community issue that matters to them, create an action plan to address the issue, then take real-world action.
Jumpstart
Early childhood programs that engage college student volunteers
New York Cares
Various volunteer programs that serve New Yorkers
NYC Service Initiative
Volunteer opportunities that address New York’s greatest needs
Peace Corps
Service opportunity for immersion in a community abroad
Public Service Internships
Internships with city agencies for work-study students
Civic engagement: Community service, public service and/or volunteerism by individuals and groups that “identify and address community needs and public concerns.”
—NYU Office of Community Engagement
Contact ls.service@nyu.edu with questions about service opportunities.
Isabel A. Fadhel Carballo
Junior, CAS/Computer Science
LSAB 2022 - 2023
What is most memorable about this service experience?
There are so many memorable aspects about being a LS Alternative Break Site Leader, but I think watching the group grow from the beginning of the program to after the trip was probably one of the most amazing parts. It was so special to see other students realize how service impacted their lives and how they'd like to include it in their future, and be able to play a part in that whole journey. Personally, working with Detroit Blight Busters will stay with me forever, as well. It was such an empowering and meaningful experience that opened my eyes to another side of service and myself!
What did you learn from this service experience?
I learned how integral service is in my life and how much I want to emphasize it in my future. I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was and that manual labor is really rewarding. I learned the power of teamwork and strength in numbers. And I learned that reflection is absolutely crucial to truly meaningful service work.
Advice for students interested in applying for this opportunity?
Be intentional with everything you do and always keep in mind the purpose of the program. You will appreciate the experience so much more. Service in general is such a transformative experience, but when you are slowly guided through service and reflections, the personal growth is really incredible. Not only is it a wonderful self-journey, but the trip makes a really positive impact on the community, and you get to do great work with great people around you.
Links
- Leadership Leadership at Liberal Studies and beyond
- NYU Local and Global Service Find more opportunities to volunteer with NYU
- NYU Community Engagement Impact the community surrounding NYU
- NYU Changemaker Center Build the skills, knowledge, and networks to take action on issues that matter