Just like the rest of us, FGCU students are busy! However, they are always seeking
great experiences in the community. Here are the three best ways to connect your needs
to their availability.
Community Partner Database
The FGCU Community Partner Database is a typical starting point for students when they are exploring partnerships for
both short-term and long-term projects. Don’t miss this easy opportunity for exposure
and connection to FGCU students. If you haven’t already, apply to be added to the
Community Partner Database used by students, staff, and faculty. Click HERE to visit the database, then click the Add Agency button to access the application.
Note: FGCU departments do not need to complete a Letter of Engagement during the
application process.
Guided Service Trips
Guided Service Trips are experiences in which a representative from our office and
roughly 5-10 FGCU students will participate in service with your organization (usually
for about 2-4 hours at a time). Our goal is to make service-learning as accessible
as possible to new students and those who have not volunteered in the past. This program
is intended to introduce students to service-learning and provide a fun learning environment.
If you are a registered nonprofit, not-for-profit, or government agency (or FGCU department)
and are interested in hosting students at your location as part of a Guided Service
Trip, please complete the service-learning request form and indicate your interest in the last section of the form.
Service-Learning Events
To learn more and explore participation in a future event below, please contact Justin
Fitzgerald at jfitzgerald@fgcu.edu. When registration opens or opportunities for our community partners become available,
the main contacts from each organization (as listed in our community partner database)
will receive an email. Please ensure the contacts listed on your organization page
in the database is who should be receiving all communication from our office.
Service-Learning Fairs
Taking place within the first month of fall and spring semesters, our Service-Learning
Fairs are opportunities for nonprofits and government agencies to connect with FGCU
students regarding service-learning opportunities. The frameworks from which our office
operates (found under the About Us section) are deeply integrated into this event
as community partners are categorized by Sustainable Development Goals and career
readiness skills are highlighted within the service-learning opportunities.
Days of Service
Week of Welcome (WOW) Day of Service
WOW Day of Service introduces first-year students to FGCU’s cornerstone value of community
engagement while helping them quickly connect to the local community and each other
in meaningful ways. The day begins with a short kickoff followed by several hours
of impactful work for approximately 100 students serving at 10 nonprofit and government
agency sites across the region.
Make A Difference Day (MADD)
Aligned with the national Make A Difference Day, this annual FGCU tradition sends
approximately 200 students out to serve and learn at a variety of nonprofits and government
agencies. The day begins with a short kickoff followed by several hours of impactful
work for approximately 200 students serving at 20 nonprofit and government agency
sites across the region.