The Community Center at Cal Poly connects students with meaningful volunteer
opportunities that complement their educational experience, strengthen their
understanding of diversity and social responsibility, and develop skills to
become ethical and knowledgeable leaders who contribute to a global society.
The Community Center cultivates reciprocal service and learning partnerships
between the university and community partners. The Community Center also serves
community-based organizations and governmental institutions seeking university
support to address unmet community needs.
The Community Center includes Student Community Services (SCS), Service Learning,
Alternative Breaks, AmeriCorps and VolunteerSLO.org.
Student Community Services (SCS) offers nine student-run programs that organize
on-going community service events ranging from helping the homeless to helping the
environment. SCS provides the opportunity for students to act as vital members of the
community, share their resources with others and develop skills and leadership
abilities while creating meaningful social change. SCS hosts annual events such
as See the Need Week, Homelessness Awareness Week, and Change the Status Quo, a
one day conference designed to give students tangible tools to be effective
advocates for social change.
Service Learning is an intentional and structured community service experience that
enhances classroom learning. The Community Center supports faculty to develop service
learning courses, identify appropriate community partners, and place students in local
community partner agencies. These courses allow students to engage in service, typically
12-14 hours per quarter, and reflect on their social responsibility.
Alternative Breaks offers a chance to raise students’ self-awareness, supplement
their educational experience with the university, and demonstrate Cal Poly’s enthusiasm to
make a positive impact outside of the campus community. Students are immersed in another
culture, which provides the opportunity to examine social issues and reflect on their own
positions of power and privilege. Volunteer excursions give Cal Poly students a chance to
make a lasting contribution and work together to positively affect other communities.
The Cal Poly Volunteer Infrastructure Program (VIP) AmeriCorps is a bridge between the
university and the community. AmeriCorps, also known as the domestic Peace Corps, places
members in local community agencies to develop the capacity of the agency by building and
strengthening volunteer programs. AmeriCorps is not a job; it is a paid service experience.
All members receive a living allowance throughout the term of service and an educational
award upon completion.
VolunteerSLO.org is a comprehensive online database of volunteer opportunities in San Luis
Obispo County.
Student Life & Leadership
University Union (Building 65), Room 217
Phone Number: (805) 756-2582
Fax: (805) 756-5836
Email: scs@calpoly.edu