Civic Engagement
March 30
Trans Day of Visibility
Engagement
April 15 - 16
Uplifting Immigrant Community
Civic Engagement
April 20
Know Your Ballot
Camp Horizons provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to engage in social and recreational activities in an extremely inclusive setting while interacting with non-disabled peers. In this program, UConn participants visit Horizons on select Saturday mornings (typically biweekly, 1-4 PM) throughout the semester and serve as a helping hand to the professional staff. We participate in fun activities and socialize with the clients. Some examples of activities we have helped with in the past include: carving and painting pumpkins, making dirt pudding, making tie-dye socks and more!
The dates for this semester (Fall 2026) are as follows:
9/19 Lost in the Jungle
10/3 Best of Both Worlds
10/17 Sweater Weather
10/24 A Killer Thriller
11/7 Crunchy Leaves and Cozy Sleeves
12/5 PJ Express
Apply now! Link in bio🌟
#uconn #uconncommunityoutreach #communityservice
During this weekend service-learning immersive experience participants will learn more about environmental conservation and ways and tangible ways to combat environmental challenges. Past projects included beach cleanups, invasive species cleanups, etc. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of ecosystems, environmental issues, and sustainable practices.
Theme: Environmental Conservation
Dates: November 6-8
Apply now! Link in bio🌟
Through this 8 day service-learning experience, participants will work alongside local community members to support local infrastructure projects and community initiatives. Participants will engage in education and reflection focused on topics such as community development, and sustainability. By the end of their experience, participants will develop skills to be more engaged in their communities.
Theme: Rural Community Development
Dates: January 8- 15, 2027
Apply now! Link in our bio🌟
This weekend service-learning immersion trip will be focused on housing security and the impact it has on the individuals within and around the community. Through service at establishments such as homeless shelters and soup kitchens, participants will be able to learn about the intricacies of housing insecurity and how to support individuals affected by this issue.
Theme: Housing Security
Date: November 13-15
Apply now! Link in our bio🌟
Civic engagement and dialogues initiatives foster a culture of participation and connection by helping students find agency in and discuss public issues that they care about. Using students’ education, values, and skills, these programs aim to create lifelong engaged democratic citizens.
Join the UConnect by clicking the link in our bio!
Alternative Breaks are service-learning experiences supporting alongside the community. Alternative Breaks are designed to heighten participants’ awareness of social issues, enhance their individual growth, and prepare them for lifelong community collaborators. Alternative Breaks provides students the opportunities to meet new people, learn new things, and live simply in community locally, nationally, and abroad.
As a participant you’ll have an unique opportunity to engage with communities whether it’s focusing on housing security, food systems, healthcare, etc.! If you are looking for an experience to grow, serve, check out our website in the link in our bio!
Winter Trips applications are open until: September 17th
Spring Breaks Trips are open until: October 1st
Our tables were full of energy at the Involvement Fair! From Alternative Breaks, Preschool Book Pals, America Reads, Civic Engagement & Dialogues, and more, thank you to everyone who came by to learn how to get involved!
We took so many photos through our time during our Community Service Day this year during Leadership Training that we didn’t share, sooo here’s some from the archives!!
August Leadership Training 26-27🌟
Thank you to all the Leaders, Coordinators, and Staff members that dedicated their time this past week to community outreach! We are incredibly proud of every one of you and so excited to see what this year has in store.
Here’s our recap in photos of what our adventure looked like!
In Loving Memory of Jacob "Jake" Najarian
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of our colleague and friend, Jacob "Jake" Najarian.
A proud UConn graduate from the Class of 2015, Jake served as Jumpstart Site Manager and Coordinator of One-Time Projects and Annual Events within the Office of Community Outreach. Through his kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service, Jake touched countless lives across the University and the greater community.
Jake`s legacy lives on through the students he mentored, the graduate assistants and student leaders he helped shape, and the hundreds of volunteers he inspired to serve local children through early literacy and community engagement programs. His dedication to fostering leadership and meaningful connections was reflected in initiatives such as Community Service Days, Day of Caring, Alternative Break programs, and the Preschool Book Pals Program, bringing together his passion for learning, service, and giving back.
We extend our deepest condolences to Jake`s family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact on the UConn community will not be forgotten, and his legacy of service will continue to inspire others for years to come.
Family, friends, colleagues, students, and community members are welcome to attend Jake`s services and celebrate his life. Service details can be found through the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home obituary: https://www.holmeswatkins.com/obituaries/jacob-najarian
For those who may be grieving, processing this news, or seeking support, Student Health & Wellness (SHaW) Mental Health Services are available to students:
• SHaW Mental Health: 860-486-4700 (Press 1, then 2) to make an appointment or schedule a screening online.
• BeWell 24/7 support: 833-308-3040 (U.S., Canada & Caribbean) or 1-984-268-2016 (international).
• Let`s Talk Mental Health Office Hours.
• Grief and mental health resources are available through the SHaW website.
• Growth Through Grief support group.
More information is available at: studenthealth.uconn.edu/mental-health
Where did this year go?! Thank you to our amazing student leaders, GAs, and staff for another great year of work with our communities. Good luck this week with finals and, for our seniors, graduation!! 🫶
Need service hours before the end of the year? Volunteer for Give & Go, a campus-wide initiative aimed at reducing waste during move-out week by redirecting items to be donated! Sign up for a volunteer shift!
Give & Go is a collaboration between Community Outreach, @uconnos , @uconncampushousing , and @uconncahnr
