These Colleges are in the Real World, Making it Better

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Aug 04, 2020, 08:44 ET

SALISBURY, Md., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the Ivory Tower cliche, most higher education institutions are in the community -- both locally and internationally -- to help make the world a better place. Great Value Colleges (GVC) did extensive research to find the 30 Colleges That Are Excelling at Community Outreach. What these colleges are doing -- from community outreach to the coronavirus battle -- is amazing.

"The role a college plays in the local community has always been important," said GVC Editor Julie McCaulley. "During these difficult times, with all of the uncertainty and fear, the need for schools to reach out and be involved with the people has increased dramatically. Colleges and universities are really stepping up to fill that need."

GVC's methodology is included in the article. Here are a few of GVC's 30 Colleges That Are excelling at Community Outreach.

Florida International University - Miami, Florida

In 2019 alone, Florida International University placed 200 high school students in summer internships, attracted 1,000 attendees at its community-building events, and much more. In 2020, the college's Office of Engagement has adapted its services to meet the needs of coronavirus. It's connecting people who have lost jobs with employment opportunities and providing free resources to make people more employable.

California University, San Marcos - San Marcos, California

California State University has numerous community outreach programs. The Tribal Initiative is possibly the most impressive. It works in a variety of ways to boost college participation and career achievement among Native American communities. Since 2007, the program has partnered with 25 tribes to increase recruitment and retention of Native Americans. Since the coronavirus crisis emerged, its Shiley Institute for Palliative Care has offered healthcare workers free access to over 20 online palliative care courses.

Auburn University - Auburn, Alabama

Auburn University has a century-old mission to partner "with communities, businesses, schools, and government to help people meet their educational goals and to improve quality of life." This mission has been successful around the world, from healthcare programs in Africa to meals for its local community. In fact, $26 million is awarded to college outreach and extension initiatives every year.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County - Baltimore, Maryland

This university's students, faculty, and staff provide over 2 million hours of community service in Maryland annually. It works with the Staff Senate Community Outreach Committee to conduct drives for school supplies and food baskets. The university has also made many important partnerships with external organizations. This is continuing throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Stonehill College - Easton, Massachusetts

Students here give almost 100,000 hours of service to community projects. Projects range from assisting at nursing homes to building houses in Nicaragua. Every August, the college organizes Community Engagement Day for freshmen to find out all the community outreach opportunities available to them. The college is also making face shields and donating equipment to fight coronavirus.

Duke University - Durham, North Carolina

In 2019, more than 4,800 students put in over 1.6 million hours of work with more than 600 community organizations. Some achievements included providing farm-grown meals for Rwandan hospital patients, teaching STEM classes in California, and planting trees in Costa Rica. In the coronavirus era, the college offers free legal assistance to small businesses and nonprofits.

College of William & Mary - Williamsburg, Virginia

College of William and Mary encourages its students, faculty, and staff to engage in coronavirus relief in many ways, such as volunteering at food pantries or by creating art for medical staff and patients. Every year, the college's students dedicate over 245,000 hours to community support activities. It has more than 100 partnerships with nonprofits and community organizations.

Saint Louis University - Saint Louis, Missouri

In 2018 alone, Saint Louis University's students, faculty, and staff dedicated 1.7 million hours to community service efforts. Almost 90 of the college's courses incorporate service-learning into its studies. The college provides $6 million of free legal services every year and delivers over 2,500 meals to needy families.

About GreatValueColleges.net Great Value Colleges is a leader in the educational field. Its mission is to help students get the best possible education for their money by presenting in-depth and well-researched college rankings along with information about scholarships and career options.

Contact: Julie McCaulley, Editor Phone: 518-496-0845

Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Great Value Colleges