Service Learning and Volunteering
Learn by doing. Grow by giving back.
Community engagement is more than volunteering—it’s a chance to build skills, connect with people, and be part of something bigger than yourself. At UB, we encourage students to use their time here not just to study, but to make a difference. Whether you're tutoring kids, helping reduce carbon emissions or supporting newcomers to Buffalo, service learning connects what you’re studying to the real world—and adds purpose to your college experience.
Whether you're tutoring kids, helping reduce carbon emissions or supporting newcomers to Buffalo, service learning connects what you’re studying to the real world—and adds purpose to your college experience.
You won't just gain experience, you'll:
- Learn by doing
- Strengthen your resume and skillset
- Build empathy and leadership skills
- Contribute to the Western New York community that welcomes our students each year
- Grow as a student—and as a person
You’ll walk away with perspective, new friendships and a deeper understanding of the world around.
Earn credit while making a difference. These UB courses combine community service with hands-on learning:
Communicative Disorders and Sciences Undergraduate Internship
Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences - CDS 496
Work as an aide alongside a speech-language pathologist in a school setting. Gain practical experience and UB credit in a non-clinical support role.
Carbon Reduction Challenge
Department of Earth Sciences - ERT 479
Team up with local businesses to reduce carbon emissions while exploring sustainability solutions that benefit people, the planet and profit. This semester-long project blends environmental impact with real-world strategy.
English Language Teaching Internship
Department of Linguistics - LIN 496
Tutor students in Buffalo Public Schools to support language and literacy development. A meaningful way to gain teaching experience and give back to local classrooms.
Tutoring Language and Narrative in Immigrant Communities Internship
Department of Romance Languages and Literatures - RLL 496
Partner with a member of Buffalo’s refugee community to provide English tutoring and help document their personal stories. Learn TESOL basics while contributing to someone’s journey and narrative.
Looking to get involved outside of class? UB offers a variety of ways to volunteer, serve and grow:
- Social Change Saturdays – Spend a Saturday volunteering with local organizations
- Alternative Breaks – Travel with purpose during school breaks, volunteering around the U.S. or abroad
- UB Impact Challenge – Join a team of students tackling real community issues
- Community Service Projects – Do good, meet people, and make your time at UB count