Service and Volunteerism at UM
The University of Montana (UM) sits in the heart of Missoula, Montana, a city well known for having robust social capital and civic opportunities. UM is an integral part of the Missoula community, and we are proud of our long-standing tradition of student civic engagement in partnership with many local nonprofits, government agencies, and private businesses.
Many colleges and universities across the country recognize that higher education institutions must make service and volunteerism a central aspect of higher learning (AAC&U). In support of this finding and the mission of the University of Montana, the ELCS offers various programs to galvanize skills for effective community engagement and build civic competencies among students.
Check out what our students have done!
Service Opportunities
Service Saturdays are UM-associated service events held on one-to-two Saturdays each month throughout the academic year. On these days, the ELCS and participating students assist various Missoula-based non-profits helping them achieve their goals. Previous Service Saturdays have included activities such as socializing cats at AniMeals, serving food at the Poverello Center, harvesting vegetables with Garden City Harvest, and more!
See our events page to check out upcoming Service Saturdays!
Alternative Breaks take you out of the classroom and immerse you in engaging, hands-on explorations of social and environmental issues through meaningful service projects in new communities.
During an Alternative Break trip, you can expect to travel, often across state lines, with a group of 8 - 12 other students. In your host community, you will engage in direct service projects with local nonprofits, join in educational conversations with inspiring leaders, be guided through daily reflections, and gain new skills and perspectives. Every Alternative Break includes community immersion time where you’ll explore the city’s history and culture through team-planned recreation and sightseeing activities.
See our events page to check out upcoming Alternative Breaks!
The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated change makers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation.
Visit our Peace Corps page to learn more.
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more.
Visit the UM AmeriCorps page to learn more!
Explore more service opportunities such as National Service Programs and Volunteer Missoula.