Baltimore-based service-learning opportunities
(All service-learning opportunities are part of the 096 Community Service & Learning Practicum and ask for a semester long commitment to weekly service and reflection.)
The CSJ team is proud to be partnering with the Shriver Center at UMBC to promote the many Baltimore-based service opportunities that the Shriver Center offers. From working with young people in the Choice Program to prepare them for college to providing care for shelter animals, check out the list below to learn more about the many different opportunities you have to volunteer in Baltimore.
If you are interested in partnering with any of the sites listed below, please contact the Shriver Center. Call 410-455-2493 to register for a placement, or you may also email Lori Hardesty at lleonard@umbc.edu, Eloise Grose at elgrose1@umbc.edu, or Shirley Carrington at shirleyc@umbc.edu. The Shriver Center is located on the 1st floor of the Public Policy Building. Also, note that the deadline to register for PRAC 096 this fall is Wednesday, September 27th, 2017.
Animal Welfare
Baltimore Animal Rescue Care Shelter (BARCS)* – Provide attention, care, and support to animals housed in this Baltimore city animal shelter to increase chances of adoption. Dog Walkers and Cat Socializers are primary needs. Mondays TBD, Wednesdays 3pm to 7pm, Saturdays 9am to 1pm.
Education
College Gardens Youth Program* – Tutor children from grades K-6 in academics and develop stimulating activities for either indoor or outdoor recreation, including artistic, physical, and mental tasks. Mondays through Thursdays 2:45pm to 5:15pm.
The Commodore to College Project – Provide academic tutoring and college/career readiness support for elementary and middle school students at the Commodore John Rodgers School in Baltimore City. Monday through Thursday 1:30pm to 4:00pm.
Great Kids Farms – Assist with 7th grade learning Journey experiences by leading student workshops in various STEM and food related topics. Mondays through Fridays 9am to 1pm.
The Path Before Me at UMBC, The Choice Program* – Become a college coach for students in Baltimore City Public Schools as they prepare for the college admissions process. You will coach between 3-5 students, by meeting with them biweekly at their site schools during the fall semester. During this meeting, materials will be provided to coach students in the SAT (through Kahn Academy), college readiness, and leadership. Tu/Th. 10:30am to 1pm, or Tu/Th 2:30 to 5pm, or M/W, 10:30am to 1pm.
Reading Partners Program – Reading Partners coordinates opportunities for volunteers to tutor an elementary school student one-on-one to strengthen their reading abilities using a structured and easy-to-follow curriculum. Reading Partners is connected with numerous Baltimore City elementary schools, several with close proximity to UMBC. Various hours available during school day.
Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (RICA)* – Assist students ages 12-18 with emotional disturbance disorders on schoolwork and behavior in a therapeutic environment. Mondays 8:30am to 12:30pm.
The Choice Program’s College Night – Assist participants in The Choice Program with academics and developing positive social skills. Mondays 5:45pm to 8:15pm. On campus.
UMB CURE Scholars – Support, mentor, and tutor middle school students, while exposing them to lessons and activities based in various fields of STEM. All activities happen on the campus of University of Maryland, Baltimore. Tuesday and Thursdays 3:00pm to 5:30pm and Saturdays 9:00am to 3:00pm.
U.S. Dream Academy at Pimlico Elementary/Middle School – Mentor and volunteer with 2nd-8th graders. Assist youth with homework and academic milestones. Assist staff with implementing skill building, character building, and dream building enrichment activities for youth. Mondays through Fridays 2:45pm to 5:45pm.
Environment
Baltimore Community ToolBank – The Baltimore Community ToolBank offers an inventory of tools—shovels, rakes, drills and so much more—to help nonprofit organizations, religious and educational institutions, community groups and their volunteers increase their impact. Wednesdays or Thursdays 10am to 3pm.
Patterson Park Audubon Center & Patapsco Heritage Greenway – Assist with stream cleanups, environmental education for K- 8th grade, and events in Patterson Park. Tuesday through Friday in the morning, Monday at 3pm, and/or weekend mornings.
Food and Housing Access
Paul’s Place – Assist Paul’s Place team in serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness through a variety of programming. Mondays through Fridays 4:30pm to 7:30pm.
Weinberg Housing and Resource Center – Provide dinner to 275 Baltimore residents that are in need of food. Mondays through Fridays 4:00pm to 7:30pm.
International Populations
Esperanza Center* – Provide tutoring and instruction in English and U.S. Civics to recently immigrated adults. Thursdays 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
Refugee Youth Project’s Journey Upward Mentoring Program (JUMP) – Mentor and guide an 11th or 12th grade refugee student through the various stages of college exploration, application, and selection. Various times available (determined by mentor and mentee’s availability).
Mental Health
B’More Club House – Various volunteer opportunities to serve adults with mental illness. Mondays through Fridays 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Service sites marked with an asterisk (*) provide transportation to and from UMBC.
Critical Social Justice 