The First-Year Service Program is an opportunity for freshmen to get involved in the community outside SBU and to blend their academic skills and strengths with volunteer service.
First-Year Service interns work as part of a team of five led by an upper-class mentor, or peer group leader. Each group works together to choose its service activities based on requests from the community as well as interns' skills and interests.
Who is eligible?
All first-year (freshmen) students are invited to apply for this program.
How are service opportunities identified?
Community members and organizations contact SBU's Franciscan Center for Social Concern with identified needs.
How do interns choose service opportunities?
Interns can choose from the list of service requests based on the interests and skills of their team. Interns might also seek to fill the areas of greatest need.
Can interns work alone?
This program is designed to give first-year students an opportunity to work as part of a team, so you can talk and share experiences.
What is reflection and why is it part of the program?
Reflection is a required part of the program. Service interns meet with their peer group leader for one hour every two weeks to discuss the work they have done and work they will soon do. The peer group leaders and the respective groups decide how the reflection groups will be designed.
The First-Year Service Program is based in the Center for Community Engagement, rooms 114 and 127 in Robinson Hall.
If you are interested in becoming a First-Year Service intern, e-mail Erica Fleischman at fleiscea10@sbu.edu.