Community Engagement

During the first week of class, the Department of Community Engagement hosts an Involvement Fair and welcomes approximately 20 community nonprofit partners to advertise volunteer opportunities to more than 400 students, faculty, and staff. In late fall, a post-graduate service fair welcomes 12 to 15 post-graduation organizations, including popular international programs (The Peace Corps), faith-based programs (Mercy Volunteer Corps and Jesuit Volunteer Corps), and local programs (Lake Effect Leaders AmeriCorps VISTA).

Faculty members in various disciplines often create unique student learning experiences that align with the Mercy mission, in addition to providing value to the community. Whether it’s an entire Social Work course teaching leadership through mentoring in a local elementary school, or a Criminal Justice senior seminar with a student-led project promoting healthier communities with a local partner, the Department of Community Engagement works with faculty members and students to support the process. In some cases, students in service-learning courses may apply for mini-grants to subsidize the cost of project materials.

Highlighted by domestic and international spring break alternative break trips, the Department of Community Engagement also hosts half-day, overnight, or weekend trips/retreats for service, fellowship, and leadership development throughout the year.

These opportunities include local volunteer placements and the ability to establish or sustain community partnerships for class projects (from facilitated reflections to full classroom presentations). The Department of Community Engagement works alongside students and faculty members in a variety of ways to bridge both the gaps between the Mercyhurst campus and the Erie community and physical experiences and learning.

Student food insecurity is a reality among many educational institutions in this day and age. The Department of Community Engagement supports this confidential program that provides a weekly backpack of food and supplies for any Mercyhurst student who expresses a need.

Hurst Responders is a new student-driven volunteer platform developed to support the Department of Community Engagement and Erie community. Any Mercyhurst student can follow the account on social media and respond to various campus and community-based needs, typically on a one-time basis.

This event takes place each year in early spring, with over 100 elementary and middle school girls having a chance to meet dozens of female student-athletes. Participants also have the opportunity to experience Mercyhurst women’s sports through various stations in the recreation center, as well as watching a women’s sporting event with the female student athletes.

This is an annual event each May where students may donate non-perishable food, clothing, and houseware items in their residence hall common areas. A group of student and employee volunteers collects, sorts, and donates the items to local nonprofit organizations.

This program matches students with a current community partner organization and provides a meaningful and valuable employment and leadership development experience for students while also providing a great service to the community.