CCE programs offer students the chance to learn outside the classroom, focusing on service and social justice as a way to learn about the world and themselves during their time at UT Austin. CCE envisions a world in which all students become lifelong active citizens, participating in their communities however they can toward the goal of positive social change. No matter their career, they will be equipped and motivated to meet the core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin: “to transform lives for the benefit of society.”
Programs
Community Engagement Collective
The UT Community Engagement Collective (CEC) is a network of students passionate about community engagement and social justice. The CEC’s vision is that all UT students will be active citizens, and the collective is a place where anyone can find a place to get involved.
Alternative Breaks
Alternative Breaks are immersive service experiences that allow participants to engage in complex social and cultural issues outside the Austin area. During these trips, which take place during breaks in the academic calendar, students make a visible impact and engage in new experiences, while educating themselves about specific issue areas and learning tools to make a difference beyond UT Austin.
The Project
UT’s Largest Day of Service – this event brings over 2000 UT students, faculty, and staff together with an Austin neighborhood on the last Saturday in February. Partnering to complete beautification projects identified by neighborhood residents and community organizations, The Project aims to help neighborhoods in need while creating relationships between UT students and the Austin community.
VolunteerUT
VolunteerUT connects members of the UT community with service opportunities in the greater Austin area. We hope to make volunteering easily accessible, whether as a one-time event or an ongoing commitment, through the GivePulse platform, @VolunteerUT Instagram, or signing up to receiving weekly emails.
Days of Service
Each year, CCE coordinates several local days of action that coincide with nationally recognized days of service. If you’re looking for an opportunity to get involved in a larger event with the Austin community, these days are a great place to start!
- 9/11 Day of Service
- MLK
- Cesar Chavez
- Be the Change
- National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week
A week of events and recognition in honor of volunteers from across the Longhorn community.
UT Volunteer Fair
The UT Volunteer Fair brings community-based organizations to campus to connect with interested volunteers from the UT community.
Tower Awards
The Tower Awards are presented annually to honor excellence in volunteerism among the students, faculty, and staff of The University of Texas at Austin. Since 1992, awards have been presented at an on-campus ceremony to honor the dedication of Longhorn community. Today the ceremony recognizes students, faculty, and staff of the university, as well as community agencies and university-community partnership efforts.
UT Service Scholars
The UT Service Scholars Program is a leadership and scholarship-focused program that provides professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities for students committed to public service. Program participants will complete at least 300 hours of service prior to graduation, in addition to earning nine hours of academic credit, and presenting a capstone project to community partners, UT administrators, and city officials.
Google Community Mentors
The Google Community Mentors Program is committed to raising awareness by promoting the power of the web in neighborhoods via community leaders, driving adoption of online tools, and building an Internet ecosystem that is viable and sustainable in the long-term.
President’s Volunteer Service Award
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a federal volunteer awards program, encouraging United States citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States through presidential recognition to live a life of service. The Center for Community Engagement is an official certifying organization for The President’s Volunteer Service Award. We encourage all volunteers to create an account and begin tracking your service hours.
Student Organization Consultations
Our staff is available for one on one consultation with students, staff, faculty or student organizations to provide guidance in the following areas:
- Finding service-learning courses and service opportunities.
- Planning and executing service projects for individuals or groups.
- Information on best practices and risk management planning.
- Self-reflection materials for community service activities.
- Tools for understanding how to work effectively with community partners.
Education and Training
Learning is foundational to being an active citizen. CCE offers a variety of workshops and trainings related to community engagement that can provide you with the knowledge and skills to participate more fully in you community. All of our workshops and trainings are available to any student, faculty, or staff member, and can be customized to meet the needs of your group.