Service Opportunities and Resources

For students, trying to find an organization where you can make a difference while learning about issues that interest you may feel overwhelming at first, but you can use the list below to help identify the right placement for you.

Community Service Links
This database of community service opportunities was created by UMass staff for students at the Five Colleges (University of Massachusetts Amherst and Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges) and local high schools.  It contains information on service opportunities in the area, all of which can be sorted by location, issue area or organization name.  In addition to detailed information on volunteer roles for individuals, it contains listings for group projects and short-term (8-hour) service projects.

1-800-volunteer.org
This national database contains information on community service opportunities across the nation. Using a zip code or city and state, volunteers can search for opportunities in their area.  In addition to listings of service opportunities, this website offers tools to help volunteers track their service and maintain a resume of volunteer roles.

Five College Community-Based Learning Courses
Consult this list to find courses that get students out of the classroom and into the community.  Once enrolled in a course, students should review the syllabus or talk with the instructor; instructors often have identified a few organizations whose work connects with the content of the course.

Community Service Work-Study
Students who have been awarded work-study can opt to work off-campus with over 100 community-based organizations that offer work-study positions.

Community Service Fair
At the beginning of the fall semester, the Office of Community Service Learning hosts a Community Service Fair.  At this event, students have the opportunity to learn about available volunteer opportunities at various community-based organizations and speak directly with representatives from those organizations.  See the events page for information on the next Community Service Fair.

Student programs
Joining a Community Service Learning program can be an excellent way for students to find service opportunities and gain knowledge about effecting positive change.  The staff and faculty involved in these programs help students find placements in the community and work with those organizations to offer appropriate support for student volunteers. 

Office of Community Service Learning
To talk to a real live person about community service learning opportunities, visit one of our Community Service Assistants in 610 Goodell Building any weekday from 9am to 5pm or give us a call at (413) 545-2015.