GVSU coordinates a series of colloquia with faculty and staff members and community partners on community-based teaching, learning, and research-based issues. Topics have included dialogue for reciprocity, justice-oriented education, and wicked problems. Sessions pose questions asking how students can better understand long-term partnerships, while engaging in short-term learning.

The Office of Community Engagement has also created a database of various assessment tools and resources where faculty members can begin to evaluate the impacts of community engagement on students, the institution as a whole, and our communities. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/community/. 

Community Sustainability Partnership In 2005, Grand Valley became a founding member of the Community Sustainability Partnership, along with the City of Grand Rapids and several other academic institutions, to help build sustainable communities. Visit grpartners.org/.

Schools of Hope Grand Valley employees volunteer time in the community through Schools of Hope, a Heart of West Michigan United Way program. Volunteers are matched with children from 14 participating elementary schools to help increase student literacy rates.

Seeds of Promise Grand Valley helped establish a city initiative,
which is modeling sustainable development best practices to transform a marginalized inner city neighborhood, along with more than 60 endorsing partners. Visit seedsofpromise.net/.

Make a Difference Day Grand Valley has participated in this national day of service for more than 15 years. Nearly 400 students come together to serve local nonprofit agencies throughout the greater Grand Rapids and Allendale areas.

Sustainability Careers Grand Valley databases various employment and internship opportunities for students. Sustainability careers are expected to see impressive growth regionally and nationally by 2020. Visit gvsu.edu/lakerjobs for a full list of opportunities. 

Volunteer in the community Grand Valley’s Community Service Learning Center can connect you with a variety of volunteer opportunities in the community, from one-time to ongoing. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/service/. 

Start your own project Is there something you are passionate about? Do you see a way for Grand Valley to be more sustainable? Take action to make it happen. Make it a class project or volunteer your time. Contact [email protected] for help in getting started.

Join a campus club There are nearly 400 registered student organizations on Grand Valley’s campus, and dozens of them are relevant to sustainability. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, consider starting your own club tailored to your group’s unique interests. Visit gvsu.edu/studentlife/.