Service & Leadership Opportunities

Cougars love their city and it shows.

At the College of Charleston, we take a totally different approach to community service. Instead of relegating it to some extracurricular “to do” list, we’ve woven the commitment to service into our classes, student clubs and every corner of campus life.

Dozens of full-credit classes at the College of Charleston include a powerful, service-learning component. A women’s studies class volunteers at a local shelter for battered women. Urban planning and preservation students help restore local landmarks. Service-learning gives new relevance and meaning to academic work while improving the quality of life for all of Charleston’s citizens.

On campus, the Center for Civic Engagement has resources for students, faculty and community members looking to contribute to meaningful projects. And the Higdon Center for Student Leadership and Fraternity and Sorority Life preaches the power of effective citizenship through exciting leadership development programs that include seminars and student excursions. In addition, the Sustainability Literacy Institute has opportunities for students as SLI Ambassadors and SLI Scholars.

Student clubs and organizations like the Volunteer Corps, Habitat for Humanity and Alternative Spring Break recruit dedicated Cougars for local and international service missions to places like Belize, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Kenya.

And whoever said community service had to be a chore? Check out the annual Dash for Trash, where we turn a simple litter collection campaign into a competitive scavenger hunt for garbage! Or maybe you’re more interested in our hugely popular Charleston Miracle (formerly Dance Marathon). Last year students raised more than $70,000 to benefit a local children’s hospital by busting their moves on the dance floor for over 17 hours straight!