Posted March 25, 2013

Temple earns a spot on the President’s Community Service Honor Roll

Temple University students contribute to the communities where they live and study by participating in volunteerism endeavors across the city. From leading after-school tutoring sessions to organizing book drives and assisting with programs supported by local faith based institutions, Temple students are consistently working to help shape the community-at-large.

For their efforts, the university was named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest national recognition a college or university can receive for its overall commitment to service.

“Civic engagement should be a key component of every student’s education experience,” said Andrea Swan, director of Community and Neighborhood Affairs. “Volunteerism has the power to change a student’s perspective. Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact and preparing themselves to be successful citizens.”

This is the fourth year Temple has received this distinction from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which has administered the honor roll since 2006.

According to Temple’s Office of Community Relations, Temple volunteers contribute more than 65,000 hours of community service annually. Some hours are contributed through programs organized by students, while other campus-wide events like the annual King Day of Service are organized through the Office of Community Relations.

The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll raises the visibility of best practices in campus-community partnerships by recognizing institutions of higher education that support exemplary community service programs.

“We congratulate the awardees and the students for their dedication to service,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS. “These institutions have inspired students and faculty alike to roll up their sleeves and work alongside members of the community to solve problems and improve their neighbors’ lives.”

The national award was inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

According to a report by CNCS, college students make a significant contribution to their communities through volunteering and service. In 2012, 3.1 million college students dedicated more than 118 million hours of service across the country — a contribution valued at $2.5 billion.