The Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership, and Research provides the UWM campus with different opportunities to volunteer throughout the city and beyond. Each week of the year there are opportunities to make a real difference in Milwaukee and beyond by working to improve the environment, mentoring local kids, stocking shelves at a food pantry, serving breakfast to Milwaukee’s homeless community, engaging in an alternative spring break, and helping older adults. Below are some specific programs coordinated by the CCBLLR, but we are also a drop-in center if you simply want a referral to a local non-profit agency so that you can coordinate a volunteer position on your own.
Event Calendar
If you can only commit to a “one-time” event, view our online calendar of events!
Hope House Food Pantry Program
Volunteer at the Friedens Food Pantry located in the Hope House. We go each Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am-3:00pm. Transportation is provided, but limited. The van leaves promptly at 11:20am and returns around 3:00pm. To sign up for one or more Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, email the date(s) you would like to volunteer toleader1@uwm.edu.
Alternative Spring Break
This year we will be serving in Asheville, North Carolina. Participants will engage in service at various non-profit agencies throughout the trip while enhancing their leadership skills. Students can get more information here.
Older Adult Programs
The CCBLLR partners with many non-profit agencies who provide opportunities in the community to help local older adults including volunteer with Interfaith, being a Timeslips Volunteer, or applying to be a Student Artist in Residence! To find out more stop into the CCBLLR or contact leader1@uwm.edu.
Virtual Tutoring Program
We are looking for volunteers who will provide academic and social support to elementary and secondary students impacted by distance education. All tutors will be trained and meet with their student twice a week for approximately 30-45 minute sessions for 8-10 weeks. Tutoring provides continued professional development for volunteers and an opportunity for community members to support the education of young people. Learn more here.
Community Leaders Internship Program
The Community Leaders Internship Program (CLIP) engages work-study eligible students by placing them in community-based work-study jobs at local non-profit agencies and public schools. Students work between 6-15 hours each week at their work-study site and earn between $10.00 and $14.00 an hour. Learn more here.
The Gathering Meal Program
Volunteer at The Gathering to serve breakfast to those in the community who would otherwise go hungry. We go each Friday from 7:00am-10:30am. Transportation is provided, but limited. The van leaves promptly at 7:00am and returns around 10:30am. To sign up for one or more Fridays, email the date(s) you would like to volunteer to leader1@uwm.edu.
Student Service Record Program
This program helps you keep a detailed record of your community engagement activities throughout your college career. A certificate is issued after completing at least 75 hours of approved service in the community. Email leader1@uwm.edu to setup a meeting and start the SSR program. New and current SSR participants can use the link below to learn more about the program and locate program resources. SSR Program Resources.
Panther Response Team
The UWM Panther Response Team (PRT) facilitates opportunities for UW-Milwaukee students, faculty, and staff to train and serve with agencies and non-profit organizations that support individuals and communities as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. To learn more about the PRT and our partners contact the Program Manager, Zack Garrity. Are you already interested in applying to become a PRT Member? Fill out an online application here.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
Each year 200+ UWM students, faculty, and staff volunteer less than two hours per week by serving as a Mentor and Tutor to a local kid at a MPS school or local community center. Our Mentors make a real difference in the lives of kids through this work. Learn more here.
