Program Overview

Leadership and Service Program

The Leadership and Service program at Georgia State University is designed to provide students with opportunities for community engagement, leadership development, and service learning. The program offers a range of activities and initiatives that cater to different interests, schedules, and talents.

Serve

The Serve component of the program allows students to make a difference in the lives of others through various service projects and volunteer opportunities. This includes:

• Alternative Spring Break: a four-day immersive service experience where students address real community challenges through meaningful, hands-on work.
• Individual & Group Service: students can sign up to volunteer through PawsForACause, the university's online volunteer management system, and participate in group service projects led by Leadership & Service staff members.
• Community Impact Corps: a federal work-study program that provides students with hands-on experience in community service and professional development opportunities.

Alternative Spring Break

The Alternative Spring Break program takes place in March and focuses on addressing community challenges such as food equity, healthcare access, and environmental justice and sustainability. Students develop leadership skills, build relationships, and make a tangible impact in the community.

Individual & Group Service

Students can browse volunteer opportunities on PawsForACause and sign up for group service projects, which include events such as the Panther Community Plunge, MLK Day of Service, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and Earth Week.

Community Impact Corps

The Community Impact Corps program provides students with federal work-study opportunities in community service, allowing them to gain valuable skills, network with nonprofit leaders, and participate in professional development sessions. Students must contact Financial Aid to determine eligibility and bring a copy of their class schedule and award letter to Leadership & Service to browse job openings.

About the Program

The Community Impact Corps program was initiated in 1994 and has grown to serve over 30 worksites and 50 student employees. The program is part of the financial aid package and gives students the chance to participate in meaningful service while earning their federal work-study awards.

Program Details

• Students must be eligible for federal work-study to participate in the Community Impact Corps program.
• Students will receive an orientation, customer service training, and guidance on entering time into OneUSG Connect for payroll.
• Background checks are performed for students working at sites where children are present.
• The program offers opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, build relationships, and make a tangible impact in the community.

Program Staff

The Leadership and Service program is led by a team of staff members, including:

• Ellin McDonough, Director, Leadership and Service
• LaJoi Boone, Coordinator of Student Engagement - Leadership
• Kirk Johnson, Coordinator of Student Engagement - Leadership
• B.J. DuRant, Assistant Director, Service
• Shanika Harvey, Coordinator of Student Engagement - Service
• Sophia Jaume, Coordinator of Student Engagement - Service