Students are matched with a local nonprofit or community agency where they complete 50 hours of service during the fall semester. Throughout the experience, interns participate in a cohort-based service-learning curriculum that encourages reflection, professional development, and civic responsibility.
The Community Service Internship Program is facilitated by the Leadership and Service Center and is designed to create mutually beneficial partnerships between students and community organizations while addressing community-identified needs.
Program Expectations
Community Service Interns are expected to:
- Complete 50 hours of service during the semester.
- Attend all required trainings, cohort meetings, and reflection sessions.
- Work collaboratively with their community partner to support organizational goals and service projects.
- Demonstrate professionalism while representing the University of South Carolina.
- Maintain regular communication with Leadership and Service Center staff and their site supervisor.
- Participate in an end-of-semester evaluation and reflection experience.
What You Will Gain
As a Community Service Intern, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Build professional and leadership skills.
- Gain hands-on experience with a local nonprofit organization.
- Develop a deeper understanding of community needs and civic engagement.
- Strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Build relationships with community partners and fellow student leaders.
- Prepare for future careers through experiential learning.
Program Components
Complete direct service and project-based work that supports your assigned community partner's mission and goals.
Work alongside nonprofit staff to identify community needs, support ongoing initiatives, and contribute to meaningful projects.
Participate in Leadership and Service Center trainings, cohort meetings, service-learning curriculum, and guided reflection.
Serve as a positive ambassador for the University of South Carolina while engaging professionally with community partners.
Maintain communication with supervisors, track service hours, and complete end-of-semester evaluations and reflections.
For more information, please contact Carly Reed.