Do you want to get involved in the community outside our campus boundaries? Whether you are interested in volunteering with your student club, working with the community as part of your capstone project, or just getting out and enjoying all that Southern Maryland has to offer, we can connect you with the information and resources you need.
If you or your group performed community service or any community engagement activity, we want to hear about it! Please fill out this form, and be sure to share photos with us. You will earn your Seahawks Serve sticker and we will celebrate your work on our website and/or social media pages.
Volunteering
- At SMCM, we want you to be an active and engaged citizen of the greater community. As a student, you have a unique opportunity to make an impact in St. Mary’s County, Southern Maryland and beyond.
- Volunteering can be a great way to build your resume, learn new skills and make meaningful connections with individuals and organizations.
- We have relationships with many community organizations that are eager to host student volunteers. Information on one-time or ongoing service opportunities.
- Each September, OCOE hosts a Volunteerism Day event where you can meet staff and volunteers from local nonprofits and learn about volunteering with them.
- Be sure to participate in the MLK Day of Service and Bay to Bay Service Days.
- Join the SMCM Service Club or another club that performs service projects.
- We know many students don’t have their own transportation. Don’t let that stop you! Many organizations need help with projects that can be done remotely, such as website design or social media marketing. Alternatively, you can work with SGA to set up a carpool or get approved to drive a state vehicle.
- And before performing community service, be sure to review our checklist for volunteering!
OCOE Student Council
If you want to take your commitment to community service a step further, consider becoming a member of our OCOE Student Council. You’ll help promote community engagement by performing outreach to other students, planning events and building enthusiasm for community service. Interested students should submit a resume and brief explanation of their interest to us at community@smcm.edu.
Learning
- Some courses at SMCM have a community engagement component. If this interests you, talk with your advisor about finding a community-based learning course that matches your needs and schedule.
- LEAD-211, The Honors College Externship, is taught by community members with extensive experience in their field.
- Internships are an excellent opportunity to connect with communities at the local, state and national levels. Learn more about internship programs through the Center for Career & Professional Development.
- Engage with the global community by participating in a Study Abroad program.
- Thinking about your St. Mary’s Project or other Capstone experience? We can help you connect with community partners to develop project ideas.
Exploring
- We’ve heard it before: “There’s nothing to do around here.” But that’s just not true! Southern Maryland is full of Interesting museums, beautiful parks and beaches, quirky shops, colorful farmers markets, awesome concerts, lively festivals and all types of cuisine (not just oysters and crabs). To find information about community events and attractions, stop by our office or go to:
- If you have another type of community engagement experience in mind, such as going on a field trip or inviting a community member to speak to your group, please contact us with your ideas.
