A number of colleges are helping students excel academically as well as socially. These colleges promote ethical behavior and raise awareness about key issues faced by the society. Volunteer programs, internships, and green initiatives are just a few of opportunities provided to students at these colleges.
If you are looking for a college that is also socially responsible and gives back to the community, consider enrolling in one of the following:
University of Florida
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 27,485
The University of Florida (UF) is one of the leading universities in the state. Apart from providing excellent academic services to thousands of students, UF aims to make a positive social impact on the community and acknowledge efforts of service-oriented students. The university’s Center for Leadership and Service has been set up to organize and support individuals who wish to participate in community service. Students can volunteer in various community based programs and get involved in workshops and conferences aimed at improving the society. The center was established in the early 90s to prepare students to be socially responsible citizens.
University of California – Berkeley
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012 – 35,899
The University of California, Berkeley is a renowned research institution and the flagship campus of the University of California system. Since its establishment in 1868, the university has helped countless students prepare for their dream careers. Alongside academics, the university also works towards becoming socially responsible. The Public Service Center of the university was set up in 1967 to help students become productive members of the community. At this center, students can take part in various community-based programs, internships, volunteer programs, etc. These programs enable students to explore social issues, promote equity and social justice, educate and serve others.
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012- 30,863
The University of Wisconsin- Madison is known for its high quality educational services and exceptional degree programs. The university has opened up the Morgridge Center for Public Service which aims to explore and tackle various issues in the society. Students studying at this renowned university can take part in different volunteer programs and community service. The center has partnered with leading organizations to develop programs that enhance learning and promote a democratic society. Some of the values and operating principles of the center include community based learning, active citizenship, innovation, diverse perspectives, and the Wisconsin idea.
University of California – Los Angeles
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012-27,941
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is a popular educational institute which is known for its academic services. UCLA students can look forward to an enriching educational and social experience. The university has set up a Volunteer Center keeping in mind its mission to give back to the community. This Center was established to create social change and enable students to engage in community based programs. Students can volunteer for different programs, take part in service projects and organize various social events.
Ohio State University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 43,058
The Ohio State University was set up in 1870 as a public educational institution. Business, science, medicine, and entertainment are just a few of the popular majors here. The university has also established an Office of Outreach and Engagement. This office promotes community building and service-learning opportunities. Students can help give back to their community and help the underprivileged through various programs. These programs are designed to directly benefit the public. Ohio State University is dedicated to education and making the community a better place to live in.
Arizona State University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 59,382
Arizona State University’s commitment goes beyond academic services and focuses on community development and social building. ASU’s students can look forward to a sound academic experience and also connect with the local community through volunteer programs. ASU’s Community Connect portal has been set up to support partnerships with the communities in surrounding areas and promotes positive social change. Community capacity building, teaching and learning, research and discovery, economic development and social development are the key factors that drive Community Connect. Did you know that ASU has earned a Carnegie distinction for community engagement?
University of Virginia
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 14,641
“Learning in Action” is the University of Virginia’s initiative which focuses primarily on community building. The department aims to connect students and community to promote community engagement. The University of Virginia has taken learning beyond classrooms and has encouraged students to collaborate with organizations involved in public service. Students can promote different causes that benefit the public such as global health, fund-raising, research, etc.
Cornell University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 14,261
Cornell University was founded in 1865. It has been ranked among the leading academic institutes of the world. Cornell has also acquired recognition for its contributions to community service, social mobility and research. The Cornell Public Service Center was set up in 1991 to engage students and communities. Through this center, students can get involved in different volunteer programs, leadership programs, service-learning programs, and community work studies. Early College Awareness, Big Red Buddies, Language Pairing Programs and Students Against the Sexual Solicitation of Youth are a few popular programs to look out for at Cornell.
George Washington University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 10,464
George Washington University was set up in 1821 as a private co-ed institute. The university has been promoting higher education for over a century. Although academics are a top priority here, the university is also committed to bringing positive social change in the community through its Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service. This Center helps students take part in community building programs. Students can gain valuable experience and learn to serve others and educate them on various social issues.
Georgetown University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 7,552
Georgetown University has been serving the community since its establishment in 1789. In 2001, Georgetown University opened its Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service (CSJ). This center aims to integrate community-service, research and teaching by bringing together students and diverse communities. Focus is laid on three important areas, such as: curriculum and pedagogy, community and public service and research. Students can gain rich experience through various volunteer programs and internships.
Tufts University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 5,255
Tufts University offers diverse degree programs and excellent academic services. The university also has an Office of Community Relations which focuses on creating a bridge between students and the local communities of Somerville and Chinatown. Students can work with various organizations, make resources available to the community, organize fund raisers, concerts and exhibits and promote the community’s well-being. Tufts University is dedicated to bringing social change and helping students become aware of social issues and give back as educated citizens of the society.
Emory University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 7,656
Emory University is a renowned institute which plays an active role in organizing public service campaigns. Students enrolled at this university can take part in community building through its Center for Community Partnerships. This office was created to promote civic engagement, learning and service. Students can work with different organizations that support community-building. Emory has always been an advocate for social change and believes in strengthening the society through its volunteer programs and peace initiatives. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) awarded Emory University with the 2008 presidential award for General Community Service.
Tulane University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 8,423
Tulane University has always been noted for its educational and public services. The Center for Public Service was established to facilitate community-building and address social change. Students are encouraged to take part in various learning, research and volunteer programs. In collaboration with various non-profit organizations, students can directly impact the community through outreach programs. These programs provide students with a sense of social responsibility and enable them to understand key issues faced by the society.
Gonzaga University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 4,729
If you are looking for a university that doesn’t compromise on the quality of educational services and also gives back to the community, consider enrolling in Gonzaga University. Students can choose from a vast range of degree programs here that are taught by a highly qualified faculty. Apart from academics, Gonzaga University has set up a Center for Community Action and Service Learning (CCASL). Students can take part in various programs and volunteer for work in homeless shelters, low-income schools and family support centers. Gonzaga University believes in providing students with the opportunity to help others and bring around positive change in local communities.
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 43,462
With over 40,000 students, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has become a popular choice of study for many. This university offers quality academic services and helps students achieve their career goals. It has also developed a Public Service Intern Program which helps talented students secure internships in leading organizations, government, non-profit groups, museums and arts organizations, judicial offices, and lobbying groups. Students are encouraged to gain social exposure while studying at Michigan.
University of Washington
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 28,754
The University of Washington was set up in 1861 and is one of the oldest educational institutions on the West Coast. The university is known for its medical center which ranks among the top hospitals in the nation. Alongside its highly notable academic services, the University of Washington strongly believes in community development and social services. For this purpose, the university established the Carlson Leadership and Public Service Center. This center focuses on developing service-learning and community-based participatory research. Students can deepen their understanding of social issues and promote positive changes in the community.
University of Texas at Austin
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 39,977
The University of Texas at Austin is ranked among the best research universities in the US. The university is dedicated to providing unparalleled academic services and creating a spirit of community building. Students here can participate in various social service programs and projects. The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at UT focuses on the practice of human rights and social justice. On the other hand, UTs Lecture Series has been set up to highlight important social concerns such as global warming and poverty.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 28,437
Popularly known as UNC, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a well-rounded educational experience to its students. UNC has expanded its services to include public services as well. Its department for public service allows students to connect with community members through education, teaching and research. UNC is dedicated to making higher education a possibility for many students.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 32,256
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the flagship university of the University of Illinois system. It has an acceptance rate of 14% and is ranked among the leading research institutes in the state. UI has gained recognition for not only its academic services, but also its social service and volunteer centers. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of social responsibility and give back to their community. The University has partnered with numerous non-profit organizations to develop programs for public engagement and education. UI has also become a major recipient of the National Institutes of Health grants and funds.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 34,469
Did you know that the University of Minnesota has been ranked among the top research institutes in the state? This university is known for its state of the art facilities, diverse programs, and notable faculty. Keeping in mind its role and responsibility towards its local community, University of Minnesota’s Center for Community-Engaged Learning is dedicated to getting students involved in the local communities. The center offers a wide range of opportunities that include volunteer programs, service-learning programs, internships, and more. UM has partnered with over 200 non-profit organizations to address the social challenges faced by people today.
Pennsylvania State University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 39,192
Pennsylvania State University follows its motto of “making life better”. This public university was established in the 1800s and has since been a leader in the field of higher education. Alongside its diverse academic services, Penn State is popularly known for its global programs which help students pursue opportunities to explore the world through public service. Students can travel to different destinations across the globe to address social challenges, educate communities about health problems, initiate rural development programs, etc. Penn State is among the few universities which have extended its community learning initiatives across national boundaries.
University of Maryland, College Park
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 26,538
Located in College Park, Maryland, The University of Maryland is one of the most famous academic institutes in the state. It offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 120 graduate level majors to students from all over. With a strong focus on community building and public leadership, the University of Maryland has developed the College Park Scholars program which is geared towards helping students engage in community development and volunteering. Students can directly participate in programs and pursue exciting career opportunities. Some of the main objectives of this program include exploring leadership roles, forming an ethical vision, improving communities on a global scale, addressing public matters and conducting research.
American University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 7,212
American University is a renowned university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is situated in Washington, D.C., and has played an important role in the higher education sector. The university follows its principle of preparing students for careers and helping them develop into ethical and socially responsible citizens. American University’s Center for Community Engagement and Service supports opportunities that are geared toward service projects and community-based programs. Students can gain experience and help fellow citizens through learning programs.
Boston College
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 9,100
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private Jesuit research institute. It was established in 1863 to cater to the academic needs of the local community. Over the past century, the university has expanded its programs and built repute with its exceptional services. Boston College emphasizes social justice and has made community development one of its biggest priorities. Students can take part in numerous volunteer programs at its Volunteer and Service Learning Center.
Northwestern University
Undergraduate enrollment for 2012: 8,397
Northwestern University is a popular academic institute that provides educational services and encourages students to become more socially responsible. Its Center for Student Involvement is all about service opportunities and engaging students in diverse service projects. These projects allow students to communicate and bond with members of the community, develop leadership skills and give back to the community. Northwestern University has always been a strong advocate of human rights and public service.
This list can help you get a better view of universities which are fulfilling their role of being socially responsible. It is always a good idea to enroll in a college that offers diverse learning opportunities and well-rounded academic experience.
