Preparing Students to Lead Through Service, Civic Action and Community Leadership

At Point Park University, civic engagement is more than volunteering. It is the process of developing the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to become an active citizen, thoughtful leader and engaged member of a community.

The Center for Civic & Community Engagement creates opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with meaningful community experiences through service, leadership development, democratic engagement and collaborative problem-solving. Whether students are serving with a nonprofit organization, leading a community initiative, participating in civic dialogue or working alongside local residents to address community challenges, they gain the confidence and skills to create positive change throughout their lives.

Our goal is to cultivate graduates who not only excel in their professions, but who also understand their responsibility to strengthen their communities.

Opportunities for Engagement

Service & Volunteerism

Students, faculty, staff and alumni can engage in meaningful volunteer experiences throughout the region while building lasting relationships with community organizations and one another.

Service Learning

Through community-engaged courses, students apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges while working alongside community partners. Service learning transforms education by connecting theory with practice and reflection.

Leadership Development

Our leadership programs help students develop the skills to collaborate, communicate across differences, solve community problems and lead with purpose.

Democratic Engagement

Democracy requires informed, engaged citizens. The CCE promotes voter education, civic dialogue, public problem-solving and opportunities for students to understand and participate in democratic life.

Signature Programs

• The Bonner Leaders Program: A national, four-year scholarship and leadership program that prepares students for lives of service through sustained community engagement, leadership development and civic learning.
• Project Impact empowers middle and high school students to become changemakers by designing and implementing service projects that address needs within their schools and communities.
• Student Impact Alliance: Student leaders from participating schools collaborate across communities to address shared social issues, develop innovative solutions and demonstrate the power of youth leadership.
• 412 Impact Service Leadership Camp: A summer leadership experience where middle and high school students work alongside nonprofit organizations while developing the knowledge and confidence to become future civic leaders.
• Pioneer Partners: Connecting Point Park students, faculty, staff and alumni with volunteer opportunities that strengthen communities throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Our Vision

We believe civic engagement is a lifelong journey.

From middle school students discovering the value of service, to undergraduate leadership development, graduate research and alumni engagement, the CCE provides opportunities for individuals to grow as engaged citizens at every stage of life.

Together, we are building a culture where service, leadership and civic responsibility are part of the Point Park experience.