Community Service Program
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Why Volunteer
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Why volunteer?
Research indicates that the effects of community service on college students include enhanced civic responsibility, academic development, better GPAs, and aspirations for advanced degrees. Volunteering also leads to increased time studying, greater contact with faculty members, increased social self-confidence, life skills development, and leadership ability. (Journal of College Student Development, May/June 1998)

When we ask WU students why they volunteer, this is what they tell us:

  • Make a difference
  • Explore St. Louis
  • Have fun
  • Gain valuable work experience
  • Explore community issues that are important to you
  • Help others
  • Develop leadership and other professional skills
  • Meet new friends
  • Gain life perspective
  • Make connections between classroom learning and “real world” practice
  • Further a cause that is important to you
  • Work with a diverse group of people
  • Investigate career options
  • Give back to the community that supports you
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spacerbracket"Community service is absolutely essential to one's college experience. College is not just about the experiences that shape you, but also the way you are able to shape others while you are here. To passively go through college is to waste an incredible opportunity. Until you are able to truly give of yourself and impact the lives of others along the way, you have not fully experienced college. Community service has given me the unique and invaluable opportunity to engage in my community, burst the Wash.U. bubble, and truly make a difference. "
-Prerna Raj, 08		bracket
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