Civic Engagement
Want to get involved on campus and in the community? With Civic Engagement at Wilkes, you will. We open doors to a variety of opportunities for you to build empathy, self-awareness and leadership skills through service to others. If you're ready, check out our current openings and sign up to volunteer!
If you want to get more involved but aren't sure how, reach out to Catie Becker.
Peace. Inclusion. Equity.
Saturday, Nov. 2 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Henry Student Center
Join us for the 7th Annual Student Diversity and Leadership Conference at Wilkes University!
Civic Engagement Opportunities
ASB Program
We cultivate community engaged leaders and learners through our Alternative Spring Break program that offers students, staff, and faculty immersive travel experiences throughout our city, state, nation, and beyond.
Taking the lead
Our team of student leaders coordinates weekly, immersive and one-time volunteer programs and opportunities in the local, regional and global community.
Federal work-study
Work alongside community partners to serve those in the greater Wilkes-Barre community. Check out our opportunities!
Strength in numbers
We facilitate community engagement activities for student clubs, academic organizations and athletic teams who want to share their specialized skills and knowledge with the community.
Academic opportunities
We support student scholarship through conference participation and presentations. Students have attended the IMPACT Conference external website, the Student Veterans of America National Conference external website, and the Bonner Summer Leadership Institute external website.
Going beyond campus
Civic Engagement works with other campus offices and departments to ensure that students have the opportunity to take their learning beyond campus and turn their community into their classroom.
Why take part in Civic Engagement?
Community service. Community collaboration. At Wilkes, these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re part of who we are as an institution, with students, clubs, athletics, faculty, staff and administrators all getting involved to better understand the root causes and interconnectedness between societal issues. We move students beyond volunteerism to understand the power of collaboration with community partners and help you make it a priority in your values and actions.
You'll see campus wide events that focus on giving back throughout the year at Wilkes! From blood drives on campus, to food distributions across Luzerne county, and travel with the ASB program, there's something for everyone. Through Civic Engagement, you'll have the opportunity to access a variety of service and leadership opportunities typically only seen at larger schools. Find the way that fits you and join us as a community collaborator!
Volunteering gives you the chance to meet other Colonels and have fun while growing your understanding of local, national and international issues. Build your empathy, self-awareness and leadership skills while helping others at the other end of the block or on the other side of the world. While you collaborate with peers, service organizations and agency partners, you’ll discover creative solutions with the potential to lead to positive, impactful and sustainable change. As your involvement grows, so will your confidence and creativity, helping you stand up and stand out regardless of your chosen major or future career path.
Creatively Connect and Serve
Interested in taking on a more serious role in your community? Join two national organizations right here on campus! The Bonner Leader Program offers students the chance to join like-minded students throughout a four year service journey and gain access to the Bonner Foundation external website that invites you to a community of 15,000+ alumni. You can also join the Wilkes chapter of Alpha Phi Omega external website, a nationwide co-ed intercollegiate service organization. As a member, you'll share the bonds of leadership, friendship and service with students at Wilkes and hundreds of campuses across the country.
Powerfully Travel and Help
Leap into action and hit the road on one of our alternative break trips. Fall break trips stick closer to home, while spring break volunteers venture to national and international locations. Recent destinations include:
- Carolina Tiger Rescue external website in Pittsboro, NC
- Martha's Table external website & Housing Up! external website in Washington, D.C.
- Give Kids the World external website in Kissimmee, FL
units of blood collected in four years by Wilkes University blood drives, helping the American Red Cross save lives.
local elementary school students helped with reading skills by Wilkes volunteers through AmeriCorps VISTA's Reading Buddies program.
hours of service provided per year by Wilkes students, faculty and staff to agencies and individuals in need.
Civic Engagement has allowed me to learn about new cultures, make significant community impact and allowed me to make new friendships at Wilkes.
Dylan Womelsdorf '23, MBA student
