With projects throughout the academic year, St. Edwards Reflect, Volunteer, Engage (SERVE) 1 Day partners with Austin nonprofits to create meaningful and engaging projects that benefit students and the organizations where we serve.
Most projects take place on Saturdays. Past sites have included beautification of parks, removing invasive species, building a playground, and painting classrooms.
At each SERVE 1 Day, team leads help small groups engage in the project while getting to know each other. Team leads also help in leading reflection, which is an opportunity to connect how the work we are doing helps the organization and improves the community.
September: First Year Service Project
Welcome to the Hilltop! Freshmen and transfer students are encouraged to get out and serve the local community as you make Austin your home.
October: Homecoming Service Project
Getting involved in the local community by volunteering is one of the best was we show our Topper Pride! All are welcome to serve with the possibility for team members to earn points towards the Topper Cup.
November: Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Service Project
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (HHAW) is a university-wide campaign where different areas on campus sponsor events relating to hunger and homelessness in the local, national and global community. As part of this week, we will spend time at local nonprofits that combat hunger and work towards housing individuals and families.
February: Blue & Gold Service Project
Let's paint the town blue & gold! Wear your colors while you serve the community.
March: National Holy Cross Day of Service
With a network of over 15 high schools and six colleges and universities, the Holy Cross network spans coast to coast. The National Holy Cross Day of Service is a united effort of faith in action for the communities where each school is located.
SERVE Austin
St. Edward's, Reflect, Volunteer, Engage (SERVE) Austin is an opportunity for you to work in collaboration with area nonprofits, focusing on a particular social issue such as food insecurity, immigration, and education.
Working in small groups, you will serve at the same site every week for the entire semester. Through regularly scheduled activities you will be able to more fully explore critical issues in the greater Austin community, allowing you to connect course content with life experience. Most importantly, through SERVE Austin you are able to build relationships with those we are working with and you will come to understand they are teaching us far more than we can provide them.
Please see below for current information on sites and descriptions. (Note: Sites will be assigned based on availability, community partners' need and transportation.)
Applications due 1.31.24 at noon.
SERVE Austin Sites
The Huddle
MONDAYS-FRIDAYS | 8:00-11:00 AM & 2:30-5:30 PM [Times are flexible]
Our on campus hub of basic needs provides resources for our Hilltop community. You'll stock the shelves, promote The Huddle's offerings and help folks who come in.
Foundation Communities Learning Center
MONDAYS-WEDNESDAYS | 3:30-6:30 PM
Foundation Communities provides housing and support services to low-income families and individuals in Austin, and the Learning Centers are on-site programs that provide after-school care and academic support to the children living in that complex. You will tutor students one-on-one, assist the teachers running after-school programs, and help facilitate fun outdoor activities. Serving at Foundation Communities is a great opportunity to be a positive role model in a child’s life!
El Buen Samaritano [TENTATIVE]
El Buen Samaritano is committed to helping Latino and other families lead healthy, productive and secure lives through high-quality and affordable health-care, education and economic-stability services. You will assist children from 1st-8th grade in completing homework, projects, create art and plan fun activities.
Applications for SERVE Austin are available at the beginning of each semester. Contact Liza Manjarrez for more information.