Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Center

Leading Change with Integrity

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

One of the largest higher education service-learning programs in the country, the BSLCE operates through a Students as Colleagues model, enabling students - typically 150 a year - to work as paid staff with responsibilities ranging from implementing programs to overseeing and evaluating them. This approach, and BSLCE's programs in general, has served as a model for other universities.

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. 

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:

• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinic offers free tax return preparation services for lower-income individuals. In the past three years, the program has helped clients obtain $1,113,442 in federal and state refunds. This year alone, the student team processed 328 returns, with a total refund amount of $474,935.
• The Fair Trade Fair offers the Bentley community an opportunity to sample and buy goods while learning about Fair Trade practices.
• An annual BUIILD (Bentley Unites to Improve International Livelihood and Development) awareness and fundraising campaign to help build a school in Guatemala.

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.