Community-Engaged Learning

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Community engagement allows students to build skills and knowledge, gain hands-on experience, learn about careers, explore societal issues, and network with community leaders. CCE supports all types of community-engaged learning that take place with community organizations, so take a look at the opportunities below! If you would like to explore these possibilities, please email cceFREEMississippi%20or schedule a conversation here.  

Volunteering 
Visit Get Connected at volunteer.usm.edu to see local volunteer opportunities and local organizations or to track your service hours. You can also request a one-on-one meeting with CCE staff to find opportunities best suited to your specific interests, needs and/or schedule. Learn more. 

Service Learning Classes at USM
Students in service-learning classes engage in projects that allow them to apply and learn course content while serving the community. A list of classes is online - check to see if there's a class in your major!

Citizen Scholars Program
Students who earn 100+ service hours, participate in a community-engaged learning experience, and complete a reflective exit interview will be recognized as a Southern Miss Citizen Scholar and receive a medallion. Learn more

Community-Engaged Research
Do you have an idea for a creative project that could benefit the community? Would you like to explore social issues and/or topics that you feel passionate about? Connect with community organizations who might benefit from your research and/or creative project. CCE can make suggestions within the local community (contact us at cceFREEMississippi or by scheduling a meeting). CCE offers funding specifically for community-engaged research and creative projects through the The Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research (DCUR). Additionally, the McNair Scholars Program at Southern Miss offers support for undergraduate research and creative activity and may have funding available for students' scholarly activities.

Non-Profit Internships or Practicums
CCE encourages college students at USM to apply for an internship with a non-profit organization. A non-profit internship is an ideal way to gain useful and transferrable skills while working with an organization that promotes positive social change. Nonprofit internships satisfy internship requirements for several majors and minors at USM, including the Human Rights minor, Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Work, and Nonprofit Studies. USM's Center for Pathways Experiences connects students to internship opportunities across the country.