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Volunteering & Service

Student Volunteering and Service

At Penn State, we believe in the power of service to strengthen communities, develop leadership, and create meaningful connections. Whether you're looking to make an impact locally, engage with social justice issues, or explore new interests, there’s a place for you to get involved. 

Fresh START Day of Service

A kickoff event for new Penn Staters each fall! Join hundreds of students for community projects around State College. Learn about service opportunities on or near campus, build friendships, and have fun giving back. 

Explore Fresh START in Discover
Volunteers pose during Fresh Start Day of Service

MLK Jr. Day of Service

Held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this national day of service invites students to live out his message that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” 

Learn about the MLK Student Commemoration Committee
Closeup of Old Main facade detailing and columns

Alternative Breaks 

The Penn State Alternative Breaks program empowers students to explore social issues, build community, and grow personally through immersive, student-led service trips. Whether over a weekend or during fall, winter, or spring break, participants engage in meaningful service and critical reflection, all while connecting with peers and communities across the U.S. 

  • We're working hard to finalize the plans, opportunities, and application information for alternative breaks. Please check back during the early spring semester for the updated information.

Apply for fall, winter, or spring breaks separately. Applications are followed by interviews, including group activities and individual questions. We prioritize building diverse, inclusive, and dynamic teams. 

  • Check back for application information

Want to lead a trip? Apply to become a Site Leader — no previous trip experience required! Site Leaders are responsible for: 

  • Attending training
  • Educating themselves on their social issue
  • Hosting pre-trip orientations
  • Facilitating group discussions and activities
  • Leading service and daily reflection
  • Building community within the group
  • Communicating with PSAB and community partners 

Applications will be available during alternative break registration. 

How many people go on alternative break trips?

Trips usually include 12 participants: two Site Leaders, 8–9 students, and 1–2 staff/faculty.

What does a typical day look like?

Early mornings, full days of service, group meals, evening reflection, and little free time. You’ll be active and immersed from start to finish. 

Do we have time to explore the local area?

Some trips include a community immersion experience like visiting a museum or cultural site. This is not personal free time — you’ll stay with your group. 

What's the food situation?

Some partners provide meals; others require us to cook. You’ll help plan a group menu. Dietary needs will be accommodated. Please bring any personal specialty items.

Will I have time for homework?

Probably not. Days are packed with service, reflection, and team bonding. Plan ahead if you have major academic deadlines. 

Can I visit or stay with family or friends if they're nearby?

No. You must travel with and stay with the group. The schedule is full and your active participation is required. Special travel requests require completing an Alternate Transportation Waiver. 

Is there financial assistance to help cover costs?

We offer payment plans and fee waivers. Reach out after acceptance to explore your options.

Faculty & Staff Advisor Opportunities

Each trip includes one or two faculty or staff advisors to provide guidance, manage logistics, and support student leaders. Advisors travel and serve at no cost, help drive, manage expenses, and handle emergencies, and must be full-time, exempt-status employees.

Community Service

Fulfilling community service hours can be more than meeting a requirement — it’s a chance to give back, learn, and build new connections. Penn State encourages students completing mandated service to approach these experiences as opportunities to develop skills, strengthen empathy, and make a positive difference in the communities around them.

  • Read about the community organization you are serving. What services do they provide? What communities do they support? 
  • Learn about the social justice topic your service is centered on. Read, listen, and watch materials exploring this topic. 
  • Take time to reflect on your experience.
  • What happened today?
  • Describe the people you met.
  • What was the flow of feelings during the day: the highs, the lows, the quiet times?
  • What questions did your experience raise for you?
  • How do you think you will continue to serve after this experience ends?
  • Talk about your experience. Once you've processed your experience, share it with others. Engage in conversations about your service, the social justice topic, and more. Keep learning and invite others along for the ride. 

Some individuals facing minor criminal charges may be eligible to complete community service hours in exchange for the dismissal of a citation. If you’re exploring this option, it’s important to first: 

  • Consult with an attorney to confirm your eligibility and how to formally request this arrangement. Student Legal Services can help you navigate your options.
  • Understand the expectations outlined by the court. 

Penn State’s Student Leadership and Involvement service team is available to help you locate opportunities — but they cannot verify your hours. That must be arranged with your agency supervisor directly. 

  • The number of required hours
  • Approved service sites – Some courts require nonprofit or community-based organizations
  • How your hours must be verified – Signature sheets, official letters, etc.
  • The deadline for submitting verification to the court 
  • Be transparent: 
    Let the organization know upfront that your service is court-mandated. Not all organizations accept court-ordered volunteers.
  • Show up and follow through: 
    Once you commit, follow through. No-shows or poor behavior can be reported back to the judge.
  • Get documentation: 
    Whether it’s a form, log sheet, or letter, be sure to secure official proof of your hours from a supervisor. Keep a personal copy!
  • Follow up with the court: 
    If your supervisor agrees to send your documentation directly, confirm that the court receives it. You are responsible for ensuring proof is submitted.
  • Bring your best self: 
    Treat your service seriously — the court and the organizations you serve will notice your attitude and commitment. 

Local Community Service Opportunities 

Penn State partners with many nonprofit and service-based organizations in the State College and Centre County area. These partners offer both short-term and ongoing volunteer opportunities for students interested in giving back. 

The Arboretum at Penn State strives to be a place of beauty and renewal, a venue for the arts, and a pathway to discovery and enrichment. Service at the Arboretum consists primarily of maintaining our botanic gardens; trail maintenance in Hartley Wood; invasive species removal; event staffing (particularly during Pumpkin Festival); facilitators for the Children’s Garden; and tour guides. The Arboretum hosts regular gardening sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays designed for long-term, committed volunteers. Short-term volunteers (members of service organizations, class requirements, and court mandates) will be happily accommodated in our seasonal opportunities such as trail maintenance and seasonal plantings. The Arboretum requires a minimum of 10 hours of service prior to signing off on accumulated volunteer hours (even if required hours are less than 10). Summer internships are also available for a variety of roles.

Please complete a volunteer application here if you are interested in joining our amazing group of volunteers! Following your application we will reach out with more information regarding our current volunteer offerings and onboarding process.

Volunteer Contact

Seeking one-time/event volunteers to help with various projects within the Borough of Bellefonte, PA.

Volunteer Contact

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County is a one-to-one mentoring program that pairs adult volunteers with youth who are in need of a positive influence in their lives. Becoming a mentor is a great way to gain experience working with others, improve communication skills, build leadership skills, and learn new perspectives all while making a lasting impact in the life of a child. Volunteers serve as "Bigs" to children in the Centre County area. As a "Big" you will need to commit to a minimum of either one school year (Site-Based Program) or one calendar year (Community-Based Program). "Bigs" are expected to see their "Little" once a week during the first year of the match. Time spent with the "Little" varies according to the match. Examples include taking a walk at the park, going for a bike ride, painting, playing a sport, playing a board game, getting ice cream, crafting, or anything else that could be considered a fun activity for you and your "Little" to do together! Please visit the website to learn more about our agency and to sign up for a no-pressure volunteer information session.

Volunteer Contact

The mission of Bridge of Hope is to end and prevent homelessness for women and children with the help of trained neighboring volunteer groups from Christian faith communities. Volunteers are needed to help with fundraising events, to organize item donations/drives, provide child care at Bridge of Hope events, and serve on one of our committees.  

Volunteer Contact

CentrePeace exists to promote and model Restorative Justice. We will be happy to give student volunteers a tour of the facility and an introduction to how CentrePeace promotes Restorative Justice here at our facility and across the county and state.

Volunteer Contact

  • MaryAnn Stringer
    maryann@centrepeace.org
    814-353-9081
    CentrePeace, Inc.
  • Requirements for Volunteers: Volunteers must be 18 yrs or older, must wear clothes they can work in, and their outfits should be reasonably modest, since we have inmates here from the county jail. 

Centre County Historical Society is a community and volunteer based nonprofit educational organization that works collaboratively with local, regional, county, and state organizations in helping preserve and promote the area's historic, cultural, and natural resources. The historical society maintains multiple properties and needs help from volunteers to maintain the grounds and gardens. They also need volunteers for special events and special projects as needed. Ongoing volunteers (1 - 3 hour shift per month) are needed to be greeters and docents at the Centre Furnace Mansion.

Volunteer Contact

Centre County PAWS was established in 1980. For almost 40 years we have been committed to finding forever homes for cats and dogs, educating citizens on responsible pet ownership, providing spay / neuter assistance, and ending pet overpopulation. We are a non-euthanasia, member-supported, volunteer-enabled organization dedicated to the Promotion of Animal Welfare and Safety.

Volunteer Contact

  • Megan Tomkiel
    megan@centrecountypaws.org
    814-237-8722
    Centre County PAWS
  • Requirements for Volunteers: Must be 18 years of age, must undergo training for their area of interest, must commit to a minimum of 30 hours of volunteering in a year

Although YSB’s basic mission—helping children and youth—has remained the same for five decades, their services have evolved and grown. YSB staff members and volunteers continually assess needs among local youth and look for creative, evidence-based ways of meeting those needs. Over the years, thanks to community support, YSB has helped hundreds of thousands of local children and families turn the page to new chapters of safety, understanding, responsibility, and much more. Each year, dedicated staff members and volunteers touch the lives of more than 15,000 youth and family members through an array of prevention programs, family services, and residential homes. Big Brothers Big Sisters: YSB number one volunteer need. BBBS is a one-on-one mentoring program. There is always a need for volunteers who would like to meet for an hour or so each week with their Little. This volunteer opportunity is a one year minimum commitment. The first step in applying to become a Big is to attend a volunteer orientation. Orientation dates are on our website and you can sign up online or by calling 814-237-5731.

Bellefonte Youth Center

Drop-in youth center. Normal hours are 3:30pm-7:30pm Monday-Friday. There are also some later hours for teens on a couple of the days each week. Volunteers can help plan activities, cook meals, spend time mentoring the kids, etc. Penny Horner is a great contact at the center. She can be reached on her cell at 814-206-4722 (call or text).

Mountain Top Youth Center

Similar to the BYC, but in Snow Shoe. The center number is 814-387-4130.

Stormbreak Girls Group Home

Residential facility for girls ages 12-19. The staff are currently looking for positive role models to spend time at the home. Flexible hours based on your work and personal schedule. This program is located in downtown State College. Program Director Vanessa Szucs (vszucs@ccysb.com or 814-234-7929) schedules volunteer hours at the home.

Volunteer Contact

Centre Helps navigates the local safety net for our friends and neighbors in need. Whether in crisis or struggling to make ends meet, our community can always find help through the talented staff and volunteers at Centre Helps. We connect with our community through our 24/7  hotline, text, chat, and community collaboration. We all have friends that are suffering in silence. Our well-trained, compassionate team transitions those friends and neighbors from crisis to viability. The work of Centre Helps serves us all, whether directly or indirectly, by improving the quality of life in our community.We recruit volunteers at the beginning of every semester and start our training within the first month of each school semester.

Volunteer Contact

  • info@centrehelps.org
    814-237-0032
    Centre Helps
  • Requirements for Volunteers: We seek long term volunteers and have a 3 semester minimum required. Child abuse and criminal background check

Centre LifeLink EMS is a leader in the pre-hospital healthcare industry with the latest technology and equipment. We respond to 9-1-1 calls in the Centre region including the downtown State College area. Additionally, we provide special event coverage to major events in the area such as Penn State football games and events at the Bryce Jordan Center. Volunteering with our organization will give volunteers hands on experience with emergency services, healthcare, and contact with real patients. This is also a great opportunity to obtain patient contact hours for those who are looking to further their healthcare education. We respond to about 7,000 calls annually and frequently respond to other regions to assist crews with calls. We staff both EMTs and paramedics.

Volunteer Contact

We are a wildlife rehabilitation facility that cares for compromised wild animals until they can be released back into the wild. We are looking for long term volunteers (min. of 2 hours/week) to help with animal care which includes feeding and cleaning cages. Work study and internships also available.

Volunteer Contact

  • Robyn Graboski
    centrewildlifecare@gmail.com
    814-692-0004
    Centre Wildlife Care
  • Requirements for Volunteers: Volunteers must be at least 18, have reliable transportation, be willing to attend orientation, submit application and background check and be willing to be trained in area of interest.

ClearWater Conservancy is an accredited land trust, working in central Pennsylvania since 1980. We offer an excellent opportunity to think global, act local. Volunteers help us by working outdoors on streambank projects/planting, water cleanups, also helping with special events (set-up, logistics, promotion, etc.). We work year-round, and try to match interests of volunteers to our needs, and are open to working with individuals or groups.

Volunteer Contact

We strive to provide a safe, and accessible space for everyone, and to provide equitable STEM education for all. Many children grow up not knowing that STEM careers are even an option for them. We hope that we will spark a lifelong curiosity, and interest in Science. Even if a child decides it is not for them, they will know any door is open to them.  Volunteers will help to ensure safety, cleanliness, and a positive learning environment when volunteering with kids and families on the exhibit floor. May assist in birthday parties, field trips, camp, and in house educational programs. May assist educators in after school outreach programs. May assist "behind the scenes" with exhibit repair/design, marketing, graphic design. May assist with special events both on and off site. Almost all positions require helping with some clean up. We are a small staff, so everyone pitches in!

Volunteer Contact

We believe a decent home provides the strength, stability and independence that families need, and Habitat for Humanity’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat homeowners pay an affordable mortgage, receive financial education and help build their homes alongside volunteers. We need administrative, construction site, and ReStore volunteers on a ongoing and one time basis.

Volunteer Contact

Housing Transitions works to provide effective services that promote positive change for those willing to accept the challenges and opportunities necessary to achieve a more independent and self-sufficient lifestyle. Some of their services include an emergency shelter and food bank, case managers to work with families, transitional housing, and education and support surrounding these issues. Housing Transitions needs volunteers to help answer phones at their homeless shelter, to clean the transitional apartments, to help with large events such as their November 5k, and to hold drives to collect donated clothes, food, and funding for the organization.

Volunteer Contact

The Mid-State Literacy Council is a nonprofit providing adult education instruction to the Centre and Clearfield Counties. The council offers basic literacy, English as a second language, computer literacy, financial literacy, mock interviewing, health literacy, and other family literacy services to adults who are in need of the most basic communication skills needed to navigate through their day-to-day activities. Volunteers are needed as tutors on a weekly basis for either groups or one-on-one teaching. Some short-term volunteer needs would be for their yearly children's book drive, the Crossword Puzzle Contest and Adult Spelling Bee Contest fundraisers, and to deliver boxes of books to local food banks. Mid-State Literacy Council has a lot of need for committed volunteers and provide a lot of valuable experience for those who give back.

Volunteer Contact

We welcome one-time volunteers (usually groups), or long-term volunteers willing to commit to a position for at least six consecutive months.

Volunteer Contact

  • DJ Lilly
    djlilly@schlowlibrary.org
    814-237-6236 *210
    Schlow Centre Region Library
  • Requirements for Volunteers: Schlow Library does not accept court-mandated community service requests. Long-term volunteers are required to secure background checks before beginning their service.

Shaver's Creek likes to connect people to people and people to the natural world.  We encourage and teach nature exploration while striving to find the balance we should have with our fellow humans, animals and plants in this world! We are located off campus, 12 miles south of State College.  We are located in the 7000+ acre Penn State Experimental Forest.  Make sure that you have transportation to Shaver's Creek; public transportation does not come over the mountain and taxis are expensive. We can use volunteers anytime of the year, for a few months or continuously year-round.  We have several weekend events throughout the year where a one-day commitment is all we need. Depending on which program the volunteer signs up for: Animal Care, Grounds & Facilities, Festivals, Programs.

Volunteer Contact

St. Joan of Arc strives to make a presence in the community by empowering individuals and assisting those living in poverty, fighting hunger, and easing the transition of immigrants and refugees in Philadelphia. We are seeking volunteers for various programs hosted at St. Joan of Arc. Short-term volunteers are needed for our summer tutoring program for grades K-4. As a summer tutor, volunteers will: -Complete math and ELA activities with a small group of children, keep attendance and ensure your children are signed out by permitted adult, keep track of children’s daily objectives in the provided sheet, and have fun! We also need long-term volunteers willing to help in our food pantry every Tuesday and Thursday from 10AM-12PM. Volunteers assisting in this area will help prepare donation bags that will be given to members of the community, as well as help with the distribution of bags, and intake information (when necessary).

Volunteer Contact

  • Jocelyne Rico
    jrico-medina@chs-adphila.org
    215-535-4641
    St. Joan of Arc
  • Requirements for Volunteers: The required clearances for volunteers working with children are as follows: PA Child Abuse History Clearance PA Criminal Record Check FBI Criminal Background Check Safe Environment Training (given on site)

State College Area Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers over 55,000 meals each year to homebound persons in the Centre Region. Our biggest need is for help doing dishes, simple food prep, and putting away food orders. We need both short-term and ongoing volunteers who are available Monday–Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Specifically, we have the following opportunities this semester:

  1. Assist with container gardening program for Meals on Wheels clients,
  2. Assist with harvest and transport of fresh produce from local gardeners to food programs throughout the State College School District, including Meals on Wheels
  3. Assist AmeriCorps Member with outreach to, and registration of, senior citizens in State College Area Meals on Wheels program.
  4. Assist with, and attend, intergenerational programs that bring Penn State students together with Meals on Wheels clients to promote healthy lifestyles, community resources, and social experiences.

Volunteer Contact

We have opportunities for volunteers to serve as ongoing tutors during the semester, on the same day/time each week.

Volunteer Contact

We have opportunities for volunteers to help with homework, free play, art, physical activities and more depending on need and interest.  We are looking for ongoing commitment (at least 1 hour per week between the hours of 2:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.).

Volunteer Contact

The Office of Community Engagement hopes to foster activity that promotes stable, vibrant, and safe neighborhoods and strengthens a sense of community for all residents. The office focuses on engaging students in community life to continue to better the neighborhoods of State College so that they are vibrant places for residents to enjoy and engage with. Volunteers are needed in a multitude of different ways including working events such as Lion Bash, participating in discussions with community members, liter sweeps during football weekends, as well as working on environmental and public works projects that the Borough does not have the capacity to complete. Can take large groups or individuals.

Volunteer Contact

Overall, we pride ourselves on being an organization that offers educational recreation to all ages and identities. However, our events and shows have different themes to them as well! We are a fun group with many members from all walks of life! We are more than happy to have volunteers come work with us!

Volunteer Contact

  • Kerry Clancy
    office@scctonline.org
    814-689-9149
    State College Community Theatre
  • Requirements for Volunteers: All volunteers sign Photo Release Forms, in case they are in photos or videos that are posted on our website or social media pages. (They are not required to sign this. If consent is not given, they will not be posted to our website or social media.) Some events (like set construction) require close-toed shoes and clothes that they do not mind getting dirty or stained.

The Student Farm at Penn State is part of the larger Sustainable Food Systems program at Penn State and is focused on bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and interests to learn about where food comes from and to apply their unique skills and experiences to a farm setting. The Student Farm is a living laboratory and community gathering place that provides hands on engagement opportunities for students and volunteers to gain skills and knowledge about food production, harvesting, and marketing. Volunteers at the farm typically help with the day-to-day maintenance of the farm including planting, weeding, and harvesting as well as helping with campus and community events. The Student Farm can take large groups or individuals and needs volunteers year round.

Volunteer Contact

The Mommy Shoppe operates two ways: as a thrift store where anyone may shop, and as a charitable organization, where families may come and choose from a large variety of clothing for their children at no cost. The shoppe may be open when volunteers are working, so we are mindful of the customers and space constraints in our space.  We have had quite a number of students volunteer with us from Penn State and it has always been a very positive experience.

Volunteer Contact

  • Amy Ritter
    amemorysaved@hotmail.com
    814-571-8368
    The Mommy Shoppe
  • Requirements for Volunteers: There is not handicap accessibility to the lower level where the shoppe is.  Training is brief and can be done at the first visit.  We will require a quick emergency contact form to be filled out at the first visit and updated if needed for subsequent visits.

WPSU Penn State is a PBS and NPR member station and an outreach service of Penn State, supporting the community as a trusted source for news, information, and education.  We use both short-term and long-term volunteers for office work, fundraising (answering phones and on-air hosts) and event support.

Volunteer Contact

  • Toni Irvin
    ami107@psu.edu
    814-863-0820
    WPSU Penn State
  • Requirements for Volunteers: 18+ years old, casual/business casual dress, background checks required for ongoing volunteers or those working with children, training provided during onboarding.

Student Leadership and Involvement

103 HUB-Robeson Center
288 Pollock Rd.
University Park, PA 16802

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