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Interested in making the world a better place? The service learning program at Raritan Valley Community College could be for you!

What is service learning? It’s an opportunity for students to serve their community as part of their classroom instruction at RVCC. Since 1992, RVCC students have partnered with dozens of local organizations that champion causes from education to health, to domestic violence, and beyond. For some students, the program is a transformative experience that leads to a longstanding commitment to community service. See what students have to say about the program here!

RVCC’s service learning program is award winning and nationally renowned. The College’s commitment to serving the community has been recognized numerous times with two prestigious national honors—the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement and the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. 

In addition, RVCC was one of six colleges and universities in the country to be recognized by Campus Compact in 2020 for outstanding work in pursuit of the public purposes of higher education. RVCC was one of only two community colleges in the U.S.—and the only New Jersey college—to receive the first Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Institutional Transformation.

Several RVCC students also have been recognized nationally as Newman Civic Fellows by Campus Compact. This honor highlights students’ commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

What is the Difference Between Volunteering and Service Learning?

Service learning combines community service with academics and college credit. Each year, 1,000 RVCC students provide service to over 250 local community organizations across 85 different courses at RVCC. Annually, RVCC students contribute 45,000 hours of their time, donating the economic equivalent of $1 million in service to Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

For course credit, students become deeply involved with community issues and apply their classroom learnings in a real-world setting at partner organizations. These include food pantries, YMCAs, day programs, and a host of other organizations. Check out the list of community partners here.

Service Learning vs. Internships
Internships are another great way to gain real-world experience within a community organization. While RVCC’s service learning program integrates classroom learning with service projects, internships offer a dedicated experience to prepare you for the job market. You’ll develop marketable skills, build up both your resume and your network, and reap other benefits. You’ll need at least 12 college credits to apply for an internship. Call 908-526-1200, x8334 to learn more and make an appointment with a career counselor.
 

Service-Related Clubs at RVCC

Community service learning does not have to be limited to a college course or internship. Every RVCC student is welcome to join campus clubs that are devoted to making a positive impact on the community, such as:

• Environmental Club
  RVCC’s Environmental Club seeks to positively affect the community and create environmental awareness and eco-friendly living. Club members raise organic fruits and vegetables, help restore local forests and other habitats, participate in beach and stream cleanups, support campus sustainability events, and more. Email Jay.Kelly@raritanval.edu or Emilie.Stander@raritanval.edu for more information.
• Rotaract Club

Rotary is an international service organization for people ages 18-30 that aims to foster leadership and responsible citizenship. RVCC’s Rotaract Club is affiliated with The Rotary International Club of Branchburg. These groups partner to tackle hands-on service projects to create positive change in the community, including a “Not Just Soup” kitchen, Children’s Backpack Program, road cleanup, and more. Email Nemanja.Nikitovic@raritanval.edu for more information.

Enriching the Local Community

In addition to offering service learning programs and clubs for students, RVCC organizes free programs and workshops to add value to the local community. These include:

• Free Adult Literacy Classes

RVCC offers free literacy and English language skills to help local community members prepare for employment in the in-demand food service industry. Contact Bonnie Scharf, Literacy Success Coach, at 908-526-1200 x8686 or bonnie.scharf@raritanval.edu.

• Programs at The Institute for Holocaust & Genocide Studies

The Institute for Holocaust & Genocide Studies is a collaboration between RVCC and the Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties. The Institute offers free educational seminars, workshops, and presentations for the RVCC community and local public.

• Programs at the Paul Robeson Institute 

The Paul Robeson Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Social Justice was founded in 1999 to preserve Paul Robeson’s legacy in the area where he came of age as an artist, athlete, orator, and scholar. The Institute offers cultural events that are open to the public, such as exhibits, lectures, concerts, and artistic programs.

Attend an Information Session

Have you been researching “colleges with service learning programs near me”?
Sometimes the best way to determine if a program is right for you is to visit the campus and ask questions in person.

Good news! RVCC is holding Information Sessions, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about programs, tour the campus, and more! Click here for RVCC’s full event calendar and future dates.

About RVCC

Ranked by WalletHub.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in NJ, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu or check out the event calendar to register for an upcoming Information Session.