Student Involvement Starts Here!
The Student Volunteer Center’s goal is to connect students who want to volunteer with opportunities on campus and in the Santa Cruz community. SVC maintains listings of one time volunteer-events as well as organizations that have ongoing opportunities for students right here in Santa Cruz and beyond. SVC also sponsors campus events that promote volunteering and hosts student-run programs that coordinate volunteering.
Here's How to Get Started:
1) Browse Organizations
Browse through our organization database to filter the hundreds of volunteer opportunities available based on your personal interests. Contact any organizations you are interested in for more information on how you may be a perfect fit for their programs. Many of these organizations also host events for one-time volunteer opportunities, which can be found on the Volunteer Events Calendar. For a quick listing of current community needs, browse through our Current Volunteer Opportunities.
2) Register With SVC online
This will allow us to learn more about you and your interests. We'll then contact you with the information you've requested. If you would like guidance through the extensive list of service-oriented and non-profit organizations, SVC offers mentoring appointments - simply click "yes" for a one-on-one meeting! We can help you find the "perfect fit" volunteer opportunity based on interests, skills, location, and time commitment.
3) Support SVC Events
SVC organizes many volunteer events both on and off campus that can help you get involved in the community! Our annual events include the Volunteer Fair, Meal Plan and Flexi Dollar Drive benefitting the Second Harvest Food Bank, Giving Drive, Alternative Spring Break, Service Recognition Ceremony, and Pause for Paws, our therapy animal program. For more information about our student-run events, including how to get involved, please view the event pages.
4) Contact Us
We encourage you to contact us with any further questions you may have regarding volunteering or our organization. We are always available to help you get involved in the community. Feel free to email, call, or visit us!
Already Volunteering?
Track your hours: Print out our new volunteer log sheet! This will make life easier when applying for graduate school by keeping hours, organization, and supervisor information concise, professional, and organized.
Get Funding: Community Service Project (CSP) grants are available to individual UCSC students and student groups who are interested in designing and implementing quality, direct-service projects that address community needs or problems within Santa Cruz County and need see money to get started. Visit the CSP Grant page for more information on funding eligibility and guidelines, and to download the application.
Be recognized: SVC's Service Recognition Ceremony recognizes students, staff, and faculty that have provided exemplary community service during their time at UCSC. You may nominate yourself or someone you know for an award based on how much time the nominee has dedicated to their service work. Visit the Service Recognition Ceremony page for award descriptions, photos from past events, and the application and nomination forms.
