SVC and Organizations

Our goal at the Student Volunteer Center is to connect students with volunteer opportunities on campus and in the Santa Cruz community. We believe volunteering enhances the learning experience, and allows students to become more thoughtful and engaged citizens who will work for social change.

To help students get involved, SVC publicizes local volunteer opportunities, maintains an online community organization database for students, and advises students searching for the perfect volunteer opportunity for their interests. SVC also sponsors campus events that promote volunteering and hosts student-run programs that coordinate volunteering activities for various causes.

How to Get Involved

Register Your Organization

We encourage students to independently search for volunteer-based organizations within our online database. Since students filter their search by personal interest, be sure to register will all appropriate categories selected. Clearly state your organization's mission, along with consistent volunteer needs, and requirements within the 'Duties' section. 

Publicize One-Time Events

Contact SVC with your one-time volunteer opportunities, including events in need of volunteer support, events for volunteering, or deadlines for program applications. Simply email us with event details and we will add the information to our online and in-office Volunteer Calendar of Events and e-newsletter that is sent to hundreds of students on an approximately bi-weekly basis.

Attend Our Volunteer Fair

Held annually each fall, our Volunteer Fair gives UCSC students the opportunity to connect with community organizations. Join us for an afternoon in Quarry Plaza to promote your service efforts and meet students eager to fulfill your volunteer needs.

Keep in Contact

Stay in touch with SVC to keep us updated on your organization's volunteer needs. Provide us with event or deadline details at least two weeks in advance, and we'll publicize your volunteer opportunities to UCSC students. Be sure to notify us of any changes in your registered information so students can independently contact you and SVC can effectively refer to your organization.

Beyond the Basics

Recognize your student volunteers: We host a Service Recognition Ceremony each spring to recognize exemplary UCSC volunteers. Community members and community organization leaders have the opportunity to nominate students for an award. See the Awards Ceremony page for event information, descriptions of the various awards, and nomination forms.

Group opportunities: Students, student organizations, and other groups at UCSC enjoy participating in group volunteer opportunities. If your organization has the capacity to host a group volunteer event, whether it’s serving food to the homeless, a beach clean-up, gardening, or painting that old room that just won’t paint itself, let us know! We can forward the information to eager groups.

Questions: We encourage you to contact us with any further questions you may have regarding how our organization can help you. Feel free to email, call, or visit us!