Civic Engagement & Leadership Opportunities

The Piper Center supports students in identifying, pursuing, and learning from a wide variety of civic engagement, service, internship, and leadership opportunities that enable students to explore their interests, gain out of the classroom experience and positively impact the world around them.  Through these experiences students develop the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to become active and effective citizens and leaders.

Internships
Many internships enable students to address community and public issues as part of a structured work experience. Search for internships using Ole Career Central, the Local Internship & Civic Engagement Opportunities Web Resource, or other resources.

Leaders for Social Change Summer Internship & Research Program
The Leaders for Social Change Program enables students to complete a full-time internship or community-based research project with a nonprofit, for-profit, or public organization that is focused on social impact while living in a community house in Northfield and St. Paul and participating in ongoing academic and vocational reflection with faculty, staff, community leaders, and alumni. Application information for the summer 2013 will be available in December 2012.

Community-Based Work Study/Northfield Reads & Counts
Qualifying students may earn their work-study awards off-campus performing jobs for nonprofits or tutoring in the schools. Students must have a Federal work study award to be eligible. Contact Julie Bubser <bubserj> in Office of Student Activities for more information.

Academic Civic Engagement (ACE) Courses
ACE Courses enable students to extend learning beyond the classroom and apply academic knowledge and skills to address community issues as an integrated component of a course. This initiative is a collaboration between the Piper Center, faculty, and community partners. Students can learn about ACE course offerings by clicking on the link above.

Volunteering
There are numerous opportunities for students to volunteer with local nonprofit organizations and schools. Volunteers can tutor, perform research, and participate in direct service. Identify volunteer opportunities using the Local Internship & Civic Engagement Opportunities Web Resource or through the Volunteer Network.

Opportunities by Interest Area
Utilize these issue-based resources to identify opportunities for engagement on campus, in the local community, and beyond. Issues highlighted include Education & Youth Development, Environmental Sustainability, Poverty Alleviation, Public Health and more.

Funding and Grants
The following funds are available for students to identify civic engagement experiences and projects:

Events & Workshops
The Piper Center sponsors a number of events that enable students to pursue civic engagement opportunities and connect these experiences to their academic study and career interests. Examples of civic engagement events include:

  • Northfield Connect – learn from and network with local organizations & businesses
  • Break Out of the Bubble – discuss community issues and opportunities with other engaged Oles
  • Worldwide Service Fair – connect with organizations offering summer and post-graduate service opportunities
  • Civic Engagement Workshops – hone skills related to civic leadership, community organizing, grant-writing, etc.

Coaching
Piper Center staff and peer advisors are eager to help students integrate civic engagement into their St. Olaf education. Students are welcome to stop by the Piper Center to meet with a peer advisor or to schedule an appointment with Nate Jacobi, Associate Director for Civic Engagement, or another Piper Center coach.