The University of Indianapolis Community Partners Fair returned for another semester to allow students to meet some of UIndy’s community partners and become more involved within the community. The Center for Service Learning & Community Engagement seeks to support the university’s motto: “Education for Service.” The center coordinates faculty development workshops, student services and community connections such as the Community Partners Fair, according to the Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement page on UIndy’s website.
According to Program Assistant at the Center for Service Learning & Community Engagement Jasmine Hayes, UIndy is partnered with around 200 community partners. Hayes said students have the chance to network and get involved with these organizations at the Community Partners Fair. This event occurs every semester, according to Hayes.
“The event helps students find community partners that they may want to work with for their service learning or just overall volunteerism…” Hayes said. “We have so many different community partners that can target every single major. There’s literally not one major that could be left out. Every community partner and organization can target every single major that is for service learning.”
The Center for At-Risk Elders was represented at the community partners fair by the Advocate and Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Miller. Miller said the event is a great way for students looking to volunteer to network and make connections. If you are looking for an internship, need service hours or just want to volunteer, the Community Partners Fair is a great place to go.
“I think [volunteering] gives you a more mature perspective overall, as far as, you know, just being able to serve and help others,” Miller said. “You get a lot out of it, and I don’t think 20-year-olds necessarily know that unless they’ve done community service projects in high school or, you know, unless that’s been promoted as you grow up. I don’t know that all college students are exposed to that. So yeah, if this is their first exposure, I think that’s a big deal.”
Hayes said that students can also find community partners on their own through Hounds Connect. On Hounds Connect, you can research the partners on your own time, upload resumes and transcripts and track volunteer hours, according to Hayes.
“I would encourage students to serve or volunteer with a community partner because not only does it help with your networking … but it helps bring those leadership skills in of helping the world and helping the community,” Hayes said. “There’s so many different social problems that need to be tackled in these communities. Partners tackle or look into every social problem of the world. It also just helps with your resume, and even if you want higher education, volunteering shows that you are dedicated to making a change in the world. According to Hayes, if anyone missed this past Community Partners Fair, there are still opportunities for them to get involved. Students can stop by Esch Hall 134 or contact Hayes directly to see what community partners they may be passionate about. Miller said if students would like to get involved with the Center for At-Risk Elders, they can contact her by email, Jen@indianacare.org. The information for the Center for At-Risk Elders is also posted on Hounds Connect, according to Miller.
