Civic Engagement sponsored by the Office of Community Service (OCS) at The George Washington University (GW) increased student retention and satisfaction throughout the 2006-2007 academic year.  Student testimonies and service data demonstrate that students who participated in service programs sponsored by the Office of Community Service were more likely to remain at GW and more likely to feel satisfied with their overall GW experience due to that participation.  Service-Learning (defined as the integration of civic engagement into course curriculum) contributed to that retention and satisfaction by helping students connect with faculty members, student peers and community partners.  Students noted an increased “sense of caring” on the part of GW faculty and staff who encouraged them to engage communities throughout the District of Columbia (DC).  This sense of caring was then given back by students, evidenced by the fact that GW was ranked number one in the country of all mid-size universities for producing the most Peace Corps volunteers in 2006.  OCS continues to network with parents, alumni and strategic funders to secure needed resources to expand programming opportunities competitive with market-basket schools.  Overall, OCS supported over 2,500 students performing over 55,000 hours of service valued at over $1,500,000 according to the Independent Sector.

Program Overview: 2006-2007

Adopt-a-Family promoted a sense of campus community by bringing together
58 departments, 35 student organizations, 25 individual students/faculty/staff and five community partners to assist 130 DC families in need during the Holiday Season.

Alternative Breaks expanded to offer drug and alcohol-free service trips during both Winter and Spring breaks to provide Hurricane Katrina relief.  57 students and two staff members performed 2,520 hours of service working with Habitat for Humanity.

Communities Building Communities offered 197 incoming students and 26 returning student leaders opportunities to connect with campus and local community members prior to the start of classes while performing 2,230 hours of service throughout DC.

DC Reads remained the largest university tutoring program in DC, placing 232 student tutors in 19 public schools in partnership with eight community agencies.  GW tutors provided 18,197 hours of literacy and match tutoring to elementary school students.

Jumpstart DC at GW recruited, trained, placed and supervised 59 student mentors who completed 17,700 hours of service to help meet the school-readiness needs of all eligible pre-kindergarten children throughout DC.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service brought together 144 students performing 575 hours of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was recognized by the GW Multicultural Student Services Center as the best multi-cultural service event of the year.

Neighbors Project placed 1,347 volunteers and Service-Learners with 38 community partner agencies and schools, performing 13,454 hours of service.  Student volunteers learned of diversity and leadership, while enhancing their education through service.

Service-Learning was integrated into courses offered by 36 faculty members in 21 departments throughout the University, including the Honors Program.  Students, staff and faculty called for the expansion of Service-Learning throughout the curriculum.

Service Highlights:

*GW ranked #1 in the country of all mid-size universities for producing the most Peace Corps volunteers in 2006.

*OCS recorded over 20,000 hours of service provided by GW students from March 21 – April 21, 2007 as part of a service campaign entitled, GW Serves: Month of Service.