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Community Service Opportunities for Majors In: Engineering and Computer Science
"Through experiences in and out of the classroom students develop the habit of intellectual inquiry, prepare for challenging professions,
strengthen relationships with their communities and contribute productively to society."
-CSUF Mission Statement
There is no question that our faculty, staff, and students are actively involved in the Orange County community. The Volunteer and Service Center (VSC) also recognizes the wealth of volunteerism and service in the community. In order to enhance the wealth of the students, the VSC promotes additional community partnerships to build your leadership skills.
It is our civic duty to shift the focus and internal concerns from ourselves and apply our unique individual skills by exploring creatively with others. Community-based learning is a commitment on behalf of the students, faculty, academic programs and institutions to put our knowledge, skills and values to work to identify and address problems that are important to society.
Research shows that there are positive outcomes by participating in activities such as volunteerism and community service. It shows significant positive effects on academic performance (GPA, writing skills, critical thinking), values (commitment to activism and promoting racial understanding), self-efficacy, leadership (leadership activities, interpersonal skills), awareness of the world, career goals, and decisions to integrate service into life after college.
An excellent way to complement the academic learning process is through hands-on experience. An ideal way to get this experience is through community service and volunteerism. This involves applying your energy, skills, enthusiasm, and desire to make a difference in your world! The following are just a few examples of how you can get involved in a service project related to your major or career interests:
- AEROSPACE
Volunteer at the Air and Space Museum; give children tours of airplanes and explain the mechanics of flight; teach children, shelter residents, disabled residents of a group home, or residents of a retirement community how to build and design model airplanes; visit schools and encourage them to consider careers in engineering; be a judge at a school science fair. - AGRICULTURAL
Volunteer at a local science museum or children’s learning center; tutor students taking math and science courses; volunteer with non-profit organizations that address hunger issues; join the Peace Corps or VISTA, the domestic Peace Corps, and help teach people to maximize their food production in environmentally safe ways; consult with local farming cooperatives on environmentally safe farming methods; join in on stream walks and tree plantings with environmental organizations. - CHEMICAL
Help chemical companies develop products that are environmentally safe; accompany environmental groups on stream walks and help test for toxins and pollutants in bodies of water; tutor other CSUF students or high school students taking chemistry courses; volunteer to be a judge at a school science fair; mentor elementary school children and encourage girls and children of color to pursue careers in engineering; volunteer at a science museum or children’s learning center. - CIVIL
Volunteer with companies that consult with construction projects on the environmental impact of development; do demonstrations in the community on how to test homes for radon; help local government develop plans to better bridges and other structures in local communities; work on educational efforts to inform people of the risks to children from lead paint; volunteer to be a judge in a school science fair; visit schools and encourage girls and children of color to pursue careers in engineering. - ELECTRICAL
Help computer companies design energy efficient systems; do presentations in schools on the importance of conserving energy; mentor school children and encourage children to pursue careers in engineering; help a shelter, nursing home, or home for people who are disabled upgrade their wiring to be more cost-efficient; donate your services to a community center under construction; volunteer at a science museum or children’s learning center.
There are many ways for you to become involved in community service and gain hands-on experience associated with your major. The following are just a few examples of agencies with service opportunities related to the majors in your college.
- U.S. Peace Corps
- Regional Recruitment Office
- Los Angeles (800) 424-8580
- Volunteers work in developing nation for 27 mos. Volunteers need a BA or 3-5 yrs. experience in a skill or trade. Year round openings are offered in: a variety of work projects, education, agriculture, environmental resources, business and health.
- O.C. Department of Education, Title I Tutoring Program
- Costa Mesa (714) 836-1602
- Provide students attending county-operated schools with an education that emphasizes fundamental skills in a safe and orderly learning environment. Respond to district and community service requests for administrative, business, educational, and support services.
- T.H.I.N.K. Together
- Santa Ana (714) 542-3807
- T.H.I.N.K. provides tutoring/mentoring, and homework help to some of the most disadvantaged students in Orange County.
- Meals on Wheels/Laguna Hills
- Laguna Hills (949) 362-2807
- Meals delivered by volunteers to persons who are recuperating from surgery or illness and are unable to shop for food. Meals are prepared by hospital food service kitchen.
- Educational Communications
- Environmental Projects
- Los Angeles (310) 559-9160
- All volunteer Ecology Center of Southern California.
- Anaheim Achieves Americorps Program
- Anaheim (714) 635-9622
- Anaheim Achieves is an-after-school educational and enrichment program targeting 2,000 children, grades 1-6, located in Anaheim.
- Placentia Library Literary Services
- Placentia 714-542-8408
- Provides free and confidential basic literacy instruction to adults using volunteer tutors.
- Project CHERISH
- Community Helpers Engaged in Restoring and Improving Seniors Homes
- Contact Senior Outreach (714) 960-2478
- Provides free home maintenance to Huntington Beach Seniors who are physically unable to do the work themselves and unable to pay to have it done.
- Orange County Development Council, Inc.
- Computer Partnerships & Services
- Garden Grove (714) 899-3684 or cdcoc@earthlink.net
- Your support will assist low income youth and families become computer literate. Volunteer to help repair or upgrade computers, donate computer parts or software or mentor a child on technology.
