With projects throughout the academic year, St. Edwards Reflect, Volunteer, Engage (SERVE) partners with Austin nonprofits to create meaningful and engaging projects that benefit students and the organizations where we serve making an impact in Austin.
SERVE 1 Day
Most projects take place on Saturdays. Past sites have included beautification of parks, removing invasive species, building a playground, and painting classrooms.
At each SERVE 1 Day, team leads help small groups engage in the project while getting to know each other. Team leads also help in leading reflection, which is an opportunity to connect how the work we are doing helps the organization and improves the community.
SERVE Austin
St. Edward's, Reflect, Volunteer, Engage (SERVE) Austin is an opportunity for you to work in collaboration with area nonprofits, focusing on a particular social issue such as food insecurity, immigration, and education.
Working in small groups, you will serve at the same site every week for the entire semester. Through regularly scheduled activities you will be able to more fully explore critical issues in the greater Austin community, allowing you to connect course content with life experience. Most importantly, through SERVE Austin you are able to build relationships with those we are working with and you will come to understand they are teaching us far more than we can provide them.
Please see below for current information on sites and descriptions. (Note: Sites will be assigned based on availability, community partners' need and transportation.)
SERVE Austin Sites
The Huddle
MONDAYS-FRIDAYS | 8:30-11:30 AM & 2:30-5:30 PM [Times are flexible]
Our on campus hub of basic needs provides resources for our Hilltop community. You'll stock the shelves, promote The Huddle's offerings and help folks who come in.
Foundation Communities Learning Center
MONDAYS-WEDNESDAYS | 3:30-6:30 PM
Foundation Communities provides housing and support services to low-income families and individuals in Austin, and the Learning Centers are on-site programs that provide after-school care and academic support to the children living in that complex. You will tutor students one-on-one, assist the teachers running after-school programs, and help facilitate fun outdoor activities. Serving at Foundation Communities is a great opportunity to be a positive role model in a child’s life!
Applications for SERVE Austin are available at the beginning of each semester. Contact Liza Manjarrez for more information.