In addition to the service learning
activities offered by GCC, a large number of students choose to do community
service or volunteer work for a variety of reasons.
To help students with this process, our center offers a database of over 180
non-profit organizations in the Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Los Angeles and
the Valley areas. Our list is updated each semester and new agencies are
added on a regular basis.
Regardless of why, CSI is here to help you find an agency or organization that
really needs your help and to match you with the best possible opportunities
out there.
Some of these reasons
students choose to do community service include:
Career/Major Exploration
Many times, students are not sure of the career field they want to pursue or
the major they will choose once they transfer to a four-year
university. Doing some sort of community service helps clarify these
objectives. Students often discover that they are very excited about a
particular type of work through volunteering while others discover that what
they thought would interest them, does not. Volunteering and community service
are great ways to find out what you will or won't like to do in the future.
Skills Development
Employers regularly cite communication and teamwork skills as the ones necessary
for almost any type of job. Again, community service can help you develop those
skills and sharpen your existing skills. Many students who have never been in
the world of work have not had the chance to develop these skills and can
benefit from learning by actually doing.
Resume Building
Particularly with the difficult economic challenges faced by everyone,
community service offers an opportunity to build your resume so that you can be
more marketable in the future job market.
Scholarship Application
Many scholarships often want to see that students are involved in activities
outside of the classroom, such as clubs or community service. This shows them
that the individual is a well-rounded person who cares about their community.
Networking
Often times, community service or volunteer work may lead to a job. Many
students who do well in their community service are hired when a paid position
is available. Even if not hired, volunteers meet others in their field who can
help them in the future when they enter the job market.
Giving Back to the Community
Many students for personal, spiritual, or other reasons want to help their
community. Whatever the reason, there are opportunities available for all skill
levels. If you are interested in a certain type of opportunity which is not on
our list, we will be happy to find it for you.