Giving

Bentley Service Learning and Civic Engagement Center

About

Through the Bentley Service Learning and Civic Engagement Center (BSLCE), more than 1,200 students each year are making a big impact as they engage in community-partnered civic work. Students work directly with more than 70 nonprofits, developing leadership skills that will shape their career success and help them drive positive societal change.

For more than 30 years, BSLCE has connected students with high-impact, service-learning opportunities with local, national and international nonprofit partners. As one of the largest programs of its kind, BSLCE employs roughly 150 students each year in roles ranging from managing program implementation to evaluation — a model now adopted by other universities.

group of alumni

Student Engagement Opportunities

BSLCE students engage in:

  • Mentoring
  • Tutoring
  • Coaching English Language Learners
  • Teaching computer skills
  • Participating in after-school and community assistance programs
  • Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities
It's the BSLCE’s 'students as colleagues' model that truly empowers Bentley students to become change leaders both on campus and beyond.
Kassidi Thompson ’26

Connecting the Classroom and the Community

Students have access to embedded and 4th-credit academic service-learning courses, which enables them to apply classroom concepts to real-world service projects. BSLCE staff and more than 100 faculty members across all disciplines guide students as they develop essential skills like problem-solving, resiliency, communications and critical thinking.

alumni mix cement in a wheelbarrow

Focusing on Sustainable Change

Many BSLCE programs are inspired by the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which address critical global challenges, from poverty and hunger to affordable and clean energy. Bentley programs include:

  • Bentley Unites to Improve International Livelihood and Development is a student group that raises awareness and funds for sustainable development projects.
  • The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinic offers free tax return preparation services for lower-income individuals.
  • The Fair Trade Fair offers the Bentley community an opportunity to sample and buy goods while learning about fair trade practices.
BSLCE has encouraged me to look beyond what’s observable, ask myself what the challenge is and how we can shape a better outcome. I learned how to effectively partner with communities to co-create solutions that incorporate their voices and strengths.”
Luke Andris ’25
Business manager of The Dream Project, Inc.

How You Can Help

You have an opportunity to empower a new generation of business leaders and help sustain and expand service opportunities for students. Your gift could:

  • Increase the student staff to create more leadership opportunities.
  • Foster new program development.
  • Further the success of the Social Innovation Incubator and cement Bentley’s role in the local community as a driver of innovation and lasting social change.
  • Support the new Minor in Nonprofit Leadership or the Nonprofit Internship program.
  • Fund professional development opportunities for student leaders.