Through the dedication of students, faculty and staff, the California State University has become a leader in community engagement. Each of CSU's 23 campuses partner with a wide variety of community organizations to make a difference both locally and around the world. The system works with local partners such as area food banks and homeless shelters, and spans their reach nationally through organizations including the United Way, the Salvation Army, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
In 2010-11, more than 61,000 CSU students participated in service learning opportunities at 2,250 community sites. Additionally, the number of service-learning courses offered continues to grow; 237 new service-learning courses were created last year, bringing the total number of courses systemwide to 2,739. This represents a 114% increase since the CSU systemwide efforts began in 1998.
A recent survey stated that nearly half of CSU students provide some type of service, totaling approximately 32 million hours each year. If service learning, community service and civic engagement hours were totaled, the economic impact would approach about $684 million per year. More.
Meeting Societal Needs Through Public Service
Throughout the years, CSU students have been an integral part in community engagement activities, such as building safer neighborhoods, preserving languages and cultures, providing healthcare information, improving life for the disabled and preparing residents to be ready for natural disasters.
Everything from San José State’s SHINE where students help older immigrants become U.S. citizens to Cal State Long Beach’s El Monte Community Building Initiative that provides leadership training to emerging community leaders, the CSU takes pride in creating unique programs that benefit others. More.
University campuses are transformative: settings where limitless knowledge and a marketplace of ideas create critical thinkers. The CSU offers community senior citizens a unique opportunity to experience this thriving setting—whether they’re returning to a college campus after many years—or experiencing it for the first time.
