Service Education & Resources for Volunteers

"A lot of people are waiting for Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi to come back—but they are gone. We are it. It is up to us. It is up to you." Marian Wright Edelman

Service Education and Resources for Volunteers (SERV) was started during the 2000-2001 school year. During a series of meetings held with the staff of resident life, admissions and students, everyone agreed that Menlo College could do more to demonstrate its care for others both on and off campus.

Since our inception thousands of Menlo College students, faculty and staff have donated their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than self.

Mission

To engage Menlo College students, faculty and staff in community field experiences, leadership, individual and team projects that will channel their skills and energy toward positive, humane objectives and responsible citizenship both in the U.S. and the world.

Who Can SERV?

SERV is a program open to the entire Menlo College community, but is primarily aimed at students who receive Menlo College based scholarships. These scholars are required to participate in 30 hours of community service and training during each school year. Spring transfer and senior students will be required to complete 15 hours of community service.

Target Goals and Projects

With prior approval students participating in meeting the SERV 2007-2008 target goals will receive two for one hour toward meeting their scholarship requirement.

• Tutor, mentor, and provide recreational and cultural programming for underprivileged students attending Ravenswood City Elementary Schools; Garfield Charter School; and the Sequoia Union High Schools. Tutor, mentor, and participate in after school cultural and sports programs in East Menlo Park, East Palo Alto and Redwood City.
• Increase the amount of Menlo College's recyclable material being removed from the waste system.
• Work with area environmental programs to restore native habitat and protect the environment.
• Support service learning courses with emphasis on practical application of a Menlo College education.
• Support the Menlo College Athletic Department's Champions of Character program wherein student-athletes and coaches will model exemplary character traits within the target communities of Redwood City, East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park.
• Create opportunities for students to learn about and participate in social justice and environmental justice programs.
• Provide opportunities for underprivileged children and young adults to participate in Menlo College days campus tours and community based supervised recreational and sports programs.
• Support area programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Stride against Breast Cancer, and the Pacific Blood Centers.

Release from Community Service

A student may petition to be released from Project SERV due to job commitments, financial hardship or a heavy class/course load. Petitions must be submitted in letterform and addressed to the Community Service Program Director, Gail Ortega.

The SERV Student Coordinator's Office is located in the Student Union. Coordination of projects, training, tracing of community service hours and volunteer referral service is provided.