Skip to main content
Indiana University
Make an Impact

Develop a spirit of service

At IU, we lead with heart. We work to create a positive impact on our communities. Whether you are just getting started with your college education or you’re about to earn a graduate degree, take the time to explore service learning and volunteer opportunities, gain leadership experience, and improve your community, Indiana, or the world.
IU student cleans childrens' toys.

Make a meaningful difference with service learning

IU students, alumni, faculty and staff dedicate thousands of hours to service learning every year. You can be part of it by taking a service learning class. Service learning includes structured community service and a chance for you to learn more about the community you live in. It also offers a chance to reflect on the meaning of service with regard to larger public issues or purposes.

Service learning builds and strengthens the university’s relationship with area nonprofits, community organizations and cultural groups by meeting community needs. And at the same time, it can help you explore new perspectives, meet a variety of people, and become a socially responsible citizen.

Male and female students planting seeds in a garden.

IU students study food scarcity

When IU Bloomington students started their study of global food security, they engaged directly with local food agencies and evaluated issues of food availability, security, and sovereignty. Through a service learning course in the School of Global and International Studies, they volunteered with Bloomington organizations such as Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, a local food pantry that provides nutrition education and community gardens.
Watch the video
Three IU Indianapolis students crouch and place mulch around a newly planted tree.

Join a service-oriented student organization

Find opportunities to volunteer and get involved in your community through service-minded student organizations and activities on your campus. Many groups spend time organizing and leading community events, fundraisers, and benefits, while others provide services directly to community organizations, such as tutoring or working at a food bank or community garden.
Learn about student organizations
IU student encouraging dance marathon participants to keep going.

Participate in campus events and fundraisers

From danceathons to boat races, campus carnivals to culture fests, IU campuses hold a variety of fun, engaging events each year. Many events are student-led, and since many have a fundraising component, you can support the community and gain experience as you have fun and get to know other students.
Explore life on IU campuses
A teacher instructing a student in a house that is under construction.

Join IU Corps in Bloomington

Gain professional, resume-building skills and do good in the community through the Student Agile Response Team (START), or search more than 200 volunteer opportunities. IU Bloomington also has hundreds of service learning classes, service-focused student organizations, and service-focused academic groups.
Learn more about IU Corps
Students participating in a dolphin training exercise.

Discover engaged learning at IU Indianapolis

Interested in civic engagement, service learning, professional experiences or making a difference in the community? The Institute for Engaged Learning at IU Indianapolis helps you venture beyond the classroom and explore your passions as you work for the common good.
Find out more about The Institute for Engaged Learning

Learn more about making an impact

Explore more ways IU is helping the community.