Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement 

Built upon the foundations of Wellesley’s motto, Non Ministrari Sed Ministrare (“Not to be ministered unto, but to minister”), the Civic Engagement program explores the role of social justice, community engagement, and leadership across all majors and career fields. During the fall and spring semesters, we offer a wide range of opportunities for sustained, collaborative, reflective, and meaningful ways to engage that enrich and support a liberal arts education while partnering with fellow students, communities, and organizations. 

Explore Ways to Get Involved

From semester-long commitments and single day service projects, to immersive programs like Service Journeys, students can take part in ways that fit their interests and schedule. Federal Work Study Students may receive their Federal Work Study award through many of these opportunities.

Join our listserve and be the first to know about opportunities and events!

On-Campus Service Days

Open to all students

Serve and build community on campus side-by-side with fellow students. 

One to two times a semester, the Civic Engagement program sponsors on-campus service days. We partner with local and innovative partner organizations as well as Wellesley College student organizations. Slots are limited so sign-up early when service days are announced. 

Fall Projects

In Fall 2023, Civic Engagement hosted two Civic Engagement Projects: a "Period Party" in collaboration with Hope & Comfort and Aunt Flow, and a Red Cross Blood Drive. Spring Projects are to be determined.

Sunday, October 29, 2023
Period Party
| Open to all students
Slots open October 1, 2023
We will partner with Hope & Comfort and Aunt Flow to package hygiene kits for youth in the Department of Children and Family Services system. 
Off Campus Partners: Massachusetts Department of Children & Families • Hope & Comfort • Aunt Flow

Monday, October 30, 2023
Red Cross Blood
| Open to all students, faculty & staff
Slots open October 1, 2023
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. Help to curb the blood shortage in Massachusetts. The American Red Cross Massachusetts Region is part of the largest and most diverse service organization in the United States, serving the 6.9 million residents of the 351 cities and towns of Massachusetts. 

Pop-Up Service & Engagement

Not a planner? Once each semester with a few week’s notice, Civic Engagement will support a service pop-up opportunity led by our Ministrare Peer Leaders. It may be a visit to an organization to learn more about their work and impact, a roundtable with a civic innovator, or a small-scale service project. Keep an eye out through the Career Education Digest email and social media.

Period Party (October 29, 2023)
Red Cross Blood Drive (October 30, 2023)
Fireside Craft Series (Late Fall 2023)
Annual Homeless Census Volunteer Team … January 31, 2024 (registration closed)
Digital Citizenship Club for Middle School Students (virtual) … To learn more please fill out this form
​Red Cross Blood Drive (Spring Semester Date: TBD)

Service Through Student Organizations

Are you a member of a Wellesley student service organization and a Federal Work Study student? You can receive your award through service. 

Please note: You must be a member of the student service organization before you can apply for pay.

Apply in Workday – R0003987 FWS Student Service Volunteer

Student Service Project

(contingent on Civic Engagement staff approval)

Do you have an idea for an off-campus service project and are a Federal Work Study student? You can receive your award through this service. 

Please Note: Projects must be presented to and approved by the Civic Engagement program.

Apply in Workday – R0003987 FWS Student Service Volunteer

Clinton Fellows Program

sophomores – registration Winter of first year

The Clinton Fellows Program is a unique sophomore year experience at Wellesley College designed to prepare the next generation of civic leaders and change-making citizens. The Class of 2027 will be the very first class eligible to participate in a full pilot year of the groundbreaking program. 

As a Clinton Fellow, students will have the opportunity to participate in civic engagement programming, changemaker engagements, constructive dialogue training, and more throughout the sophomore year. The theme for the 2024–2025 year will be Renewing Democracy — a timely and urgent theme as we enter an election year. 

Register Here!

Civic Action Lab Team Leaders

open to juniors & seniors
Application Period: Sunday, January 21 – Friday, March 1
This position pays $800 for the four day commitment.

An opportunity to serve as a team leader for the full pilot year of this groundbreaking program. 

Civic Action Lab Team Leaders lead a team of 10 Clinton Fellows (sophomores) as students kick-off their sophomore year building a civic toolkit by exploring ways to create and activate inclusive communities and community-first service while probing strategies for impactful social change.

Team Leaders will come together with Civic Engagement Ministrare Peer Leaders for a one-day Leadership Academy (Monday, August 26, 2024) before the 3- day Civic Action Lab (Tuesday, August 27 – Thursday, August 29, 2024).

Civic Action Lab 2023 Participants are encouraged to apply.

Find out more about compensation and time commitment HERE.

Ministrare Peer Leaders

open to juniors & seniors

details to come

Service Journey Participants

Application Period: Sunday, January 21 – Friday, February 16

Service Journeys are multi-day immersive experiences for Wellesley students to engage in the greater community, reflect on their understanding of civic engagement,  and embrace the joy of service. Throughout the experience, students will have multiple opportunities to connect with civic innovators, engage in community building practices as a group, and deepen their understanding of how social systems interact.

  • Spring Break - Sunday, March 17th @ 4pm - Saturday, March 23rd @ 12pm
  • Applicants will be notified by Thursday, February 22nd, 2024
  • Orientation will take place on Thursday, March 7th @ 12:30pm
  • Participants are expected to attend the full program days

Apply Here!

Service Journey Team Leader

Application Period: Sunday, January 21 – Friday, February
Service Leaders are paid student leaders and play a key role throughout the Service Journey Experience. 

Service Leaders are paid student leaders and play a key role throughout the Service Journey Experience. 

Apply Here!

Service Group Van Drivers

(Paid Position) Join our driving team! Drive Wellesley College student service organization teams to their off-campus service sites, primarily in the Metrowest area and Boston.

R0003985 Civic Engagement Van Drivers

Ministrare Peer Leaders