The Institute :: What is the Institute :

Since 1993, the Institute for Community, Service-Learning, and Nonprofit Leadership has operated a system where SRU students, in partnership with their communities, apply personal strengths, academic preparation, and personal passion for purposeful civic action.

The Institute coordinates SRU's volunteer outreach programs, provides training and technical assistance for K-12/college faculty and nonprofit staff in service-learning, develops service-learning curricular materials, works closely with SRU faculty to create service-learning classes, and coordinates community development initiatives in Western Pennsylvania.

Service opportunities available to SRU students include one-day projects such as Empty Bowls, an annual hunger awareness program that raises money to support local food programs; on-going tutoring and mentoring programs at the I CARE House and in local schools; on-going projects that support underserved populations such as the homeless, hungry and senior citizens; week-long events such as Care Break (an alternative spring break program sending over 1,000 students to 17 US cities for a week of service), and year-long service through the Connector Corps AmeriCorps program.

The Institute tracks student volunteer activities, allowing students to develop a service audit similar to their DARS. To get involved stop by the Lowry Center, phone us at 724-738-CARE or send email to theinstitute@sru.edu.