Thumbnail

Helping Local and Global Communities

At Assumption, you’ll find a community that simply loves helping others. Participating in community service and volunteer opportunities is one of the best ways to give back to the local and global community – in fact, Assumption students spend over 100,000 hours every year participating in volunteer and community activities.

As a Catholic University, Assumption holds strong to its beliefs, to its traditions and values. At the core of those is the idea that there is no better use of our time, indeed, no better use of a life, than helping others. This call to serve is one of the core principles guiding our philosophy of education and what we think a life of meaning entails. Be it through participating in a local food pantry, volunteering at a non-profit, or traveling to El Paso, Texas to assist migrant families who immigrate to the United States, Assumption students rise to the challenge of extending a helping hand to communities in need.

HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?


SEND TRIPS

Travel the world and serve diverse communities, both around the United States and internationally, on a service immersion trip (SEND Trip). Inspired by Catholic teachings, students immerse themselves in these service and reflection-driven experiences that are equally as transformative for the student as they are for the communities impacted by their service.


REACH OUT CENTER

Our Reach Out Center offers both weekly and one-time community service opportunities. Weekly opportunities allow students to establish meaningful relationships in the community, and one-time service opportunities allow teams, clubs, and organizations on campus to work together in the community.

Contact Neeja Edmonds, Reach Out Center Coordinator for more information: n.edmonds@assumption.edu


COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING

Students can also take part in meaningful service through the Community Service Learning (CSL) program. CSL courses are offered as individual experiences or as part of the CSL minor and allow students to actively participate in service while learning within a community setting.


Community Benefits Report

The annually published Community Benefits Report showcases the work Assumption students, faculty, and staff have done in support of the Assumption community through the year.


CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES SOCIAL JUSTICE AMBASSADORS

Ambassadors raise awareness, educate others on, and foster dialogue on issues of inequality, justice, and social change. We are a Global Campus partner with Catholic Relief Services.

Weekly Service Opportunities

Serve for an hour a week during the academic year with one of Assumption’s partner agencies in Worcester, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Jumpstart, LUK Inc., the Worcester Housing Authority, and Worcester Public Schools. Choose a type of service that interests you: mentor children, tutor teens, visit with veterans, refurbish abandoned houses, share a meal with adults in transition, teach religious education to children, lead recreational activities with children and adults with special needs. Van transportation is provided to the service sites for students who do not have cars on campus.

Service-Focused Student Organizations

Best Buddies: Volunteering with adults with disabilities to engage in fun activities and meetings.

Greenhounds: Discussing and working on sustainability initiatives on and off campus.

Habitat for Humanity: Volunteering at the local ReStore and participating in Build Days for improving the Worcester community.

Second Hand Hounds: Promoting the values of thrifting, reducing/reusing, and responsibly using items in everyday life.