Springfield College Community Service Programs
Community service is not just an extracurricular activity at the College. It is integrated into the curriculum through internships at schools and nonprofit agencies and put into action through campus-wide initiatives, such as
Humanics in Action Day and service-oriented clubs.
Browse Programs
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| Program: |
Athletic Teams Community Service |
| Description: |
Springfield College’s athletic team members (baseball, basketball, cross country, diving, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field, volleyball) volunteer as teams in tutoring, conducting sports clinics, food pantry service, services for needy families, neighborhood cleanup, fundraising for not-for-profit organizations, and other community projects. |
| Contact: |
Kiki Jacobs, Associate Director of Athletics, (413) 748-3334 |
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| Program: |
Camp Massasoit |
| Description: |
Camp Massasoit is an experiential day and adventure camp for youth ages 5 to 16 interested in exploring the outdoors. The Day Camp includes a challenge course, archery, swimming, Project Wild, boating, and other activities. Voyager Camp, for youth ages 11 to 13, is a transitional program from day camp without the pressure of an overnight trip. Walk-A-Bout Camp, for youth ages 12 to 14 furthering their outdoor skills, includes a one-night overnight camping trip, lifetime wellness activities, and educational field trips. Adventure Camp, for youth ages 14 to 16, teaches challenging outdoor skills. |
| Contact: |
Ben Taylor, Director, East Campus and Outdoor Programs, (413) 750-5011 |
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| Program: |
Center for Youth Development and Research |
| Description: |
The faculty and staff of the center provide organizations with consultation on program design and implementation, evaluation, research, and training in mentoring and positive youth development. |
| Contact: |
Albert J. Petitpas, Director, (413) 731-3408 x106 |
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| Program: |
Child Development Center |
| Description: |
Recognized as one of the foremost child development centers in the region, this Springfield College facility provides a stimulating, caring environment where children 15 months to 5 years of age learn and grow. Open to the community, it is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a designation that applies to only seven percent of U.S. child care centers. The teaching faculty is supported by Springfield College students of early childhood education. |
| Contact: |
Maureen Burke, Director of the Child Development Center, (413) 788-2451 |
| Program: |
Community Thanksgiving Dinner |
| Description: |
Springfield College and the Massachusetts Career Development Institute (MCDI) have served a community holiday dinner free of charge in November since 1999. Aramark, the College’s food service, MCDI staff, and about 50 volunteers from the College and the community work together on the event, attended annually by about 550 Springfield residents. |
| Contact: |
Charlene Elvers, Director of Student Volunteer Programs, (413) 748-3219 |
| Program: |
Community Service Internships/Student Teachers |
| Description: |
The region’s not-for-profit organizations, health-care providers, city agencies, and businesses gain the services of Springfield College students serving internships under the guidance of experienced faculty members. The college’s student teachers augment the teaching staffs of area schools. Annually, about 700 students of education, health sciences, rehabilitation, recreation, social work, human services, humanities, physical sciences, and other subjects each serve an average of 300 hours. Educator preparation placement is coordinated by Linda Davis-Delano as noted below. Other placements are coordinated by individual academic departments. |
| Contact: |
Linda Davis-Delano, Director of Educator Preparation Programs, (413) 748-3146 |
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| Program: |
East Campus Outdoor Learning Center |
| Description: |
Situated on 57 acres of forest ecosystem with a mile of lake shoreline, this center provides adventure-based programming for team-building, managerial training, and goal-oriented growth to education, recreation, business, and therapeutic professional groups. The well trained staff of outdoor recreation professionals constructs experiential activities to support the unique goals of each client. The setting also includes picnic and camping facilities; a boathouse with canoes, kayaks and rowboats; an outdoor fire pit with seating for 200; and an authentic southwestern pueblo. Activities of the center also support various Springfield College academic programs. |
| Contact: |
Ben Taylor, Director, East Campus and Outdoor Programs, (413) 750-5011 |
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| Program: |
Fit Fest |
| Description: |
To foster public health and wellness, Springfield College students and faculty members in various health and education studies and campus clubs present a day of free exhibits and activities open to the community. The program varies annually, but usually includes screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and other factors, and also hearing and vision tests. Among other subjects addressed are nutrition, self examination for various health conditions, physical fitness, introduction to various sports, and more. |
| Contact: |
Mary Kate McMahon, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, (413) 748-3421 |
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| Program: |
Girls & Women in Sports Day |
| Description: |
Each year in February, Springfield College coaches, student athletes, and East Campus staff conduct clinics for approximately 160 girls in grades three through eight in sports including softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, lacrosse, gymnastics, tennis, yoga, football and rock climbing. |
| Contact: |
Kiki Jacobs, Associate Director of Athletics, (413) 748-3334 |
| Program: |
The Greene Lecture |
| Description: |
This lecture, open to the public free of charge, annually brings experts from the field of physical therapy to the campus to discuss their research and approaches to scholarship. It is of particular interest to students and professionals in physical therapy and other health professions. The Greene Lectureship was endowed in memory of Jean Greene by her husband, Edwin Greene, a 1935 Springfield College graduate. |
| Contact: |
Julia Chevan, Chair, Physical Therapy Department, (413) 748-3590 |
| Program: |
Habitat for Humanity, Springfield College Chapter |
| Description: |
Springfield College students and staff members have worked with and supported projects of the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. In addition to working on local builds, they have worked on such fundraising projects for the local Habitat chapter as Fall Feastival and the Holiday Gift Wrap at Eastfield Mall. Students have also spent their spring break participating in Habitat's Collegiate Challenge Build. |
| Contact: |
Deborah Cook, Chapter Advisor/Faculty, (413) 748-3321 |
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| Program: |
Humanics in Action Day |
| Description: |
Each September, Springfield College cancels classes and operates offices on reduced staffing for a full day so that 1,800 students and members of the faculty and staff may perform about 100 community projects. College work groups serve schools, shelters, churches, senior citizens’ facilities, city agencies, community organizations, and individual neighbors. They work on educational programs, indoor and outdoor cleaning and repairs, playground improvement, school landscaping, graffiti removal, and more. |
| Contact: |
Elvers, Director of Student Volunteer Programs, (413) 748-3219 |
| Program: |
The Karpovich Lecture |
| Description: |
This scholarly event, open to the public free of charge, annually brings top experts in physical education, exercise physiology, and other sport and exercise sciences to Springfield College for the benefit of students, professionals in these fields, and the community at large. Springfield College established the Karpovich Lecture in 1973 in memory of its former faculty member Peter V. Karpovich, who was an internationally recognized exercise physiologist and one of the principal founders of the American College of Sports Medicine. |
| Contact: |
Charles Redmond, Dean, School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation,
(413) 748-3385 |
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| Program: |
Leaders in Academics, Community Engagement, and Service (LACES) |
| Description: |
Springfield adolescents with the ability and desire to become community leaders receive scholarships to a summer two-week leadership training experience at Springfield College. Classroom and outdoor adventure exercises increase students’ confidence, communication and teamwork skills, and leadership experience. In the subsequent academic year, the participants lead activities in community organizations to further develop their character and academic success, with support from Springfield College graduate students. The scholarships are valued at almost $1,200 per student. This program is supported in part by the City of Springfield, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and other organizations |
| Contact: |
Ted France, Associate Director of Physical Education, (413) 748-3774 |
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| Program: |
Learning in Later Life |
| Description: |
Springfield College faculty and experts in the Springfield community lead informative, interesting, and life-enhancing programs for adults aged 55 and older. Courses focus on current affairs, culture and arts, history and science, and other topics, presented through classes, trips, and social events. Membership fees in the Learning in Later Life program include enrollment in all courses; access to the college’s Babson Library resources; and admission to competitive athletic events, the William Simpson Fine Arts Series events, and other campus events at no charge or at reduced rates. |
| Contact: |
Katherine Smith, Director of Conferences and Special Events, (413) 748-5287 |
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| Program: |
The Britton C. and Lucile McCabe Lecture |
| Description: |
This scholarly event annually brings noted professionals in the health, biological, and physical sciences to Springfield College to discuss timely topics and discoveries in their fields. Open to the public free of charge, it has served students, professionals in health and science, and the community at large since 1997. |
| Contact: |
Mary Healey, Dean, School of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies, (413) 748-3713 |
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| Program: |
Neighborhood Housing Acquisition Loan Fund |
| Description: |
Springfield College has provided financial security for a $1.75 million property acquisition loan fund, which allows The Neighborhood Collaborative LLC to borrow money at below market rates to acquire property for building or rehabilitating housing in the Old Hill neighborhood. The collaborative is acquiring property in the neighborhoods surrounding the College in order to build and/or renovate 100 homes during a five-year period. The affordable homes are intended for owner-occupants, specifically targeting first-time home buyers. |
| Contact: |
John Mailhot, Vice President for Finance and Administration, (413) 748-3145 |
| Program: |
Springfield College Office of Student Volunteer Programs |
| Description: |
Springfield College’s Office of Student Volunteer Programs places student volunteers in numerous single event and ongoing service projects throughout the year. This office alone coordinates more than 54,000 hours of community service annually. |
| Contact: |
Charlene Elvers, Director of Student Volunteer Programs, (413) 748-3219 |
| Program: |
Partnership for the Renewal of Old Hill (PROHill) |
| Description: |
Founded in 2003, PROHill is a partnership among Springfield College, the City of Springfield, the Old Hill Neighborhood Council, and other neighborhood agencies. It is dedicated to transforming one of Springfield’s more deteriorated neighborhoods into a model of infrastructure, safety, owner-occupied housing, educational resources, and recreational space. The College played a leading role in obtaining input from more than 350 individuals, organizations, businesses, churches, and city departments in the planning process.
For Springfield College’s leadership in PROHill, HAP, Inc., the region’s housing partnership, honored the College with its 2005 Award for Leadership and Achievement. |
| Contact: |
Ronald Ziemba, Office of the President, (413) 748-3727 |
| Program: |
Research with Chronic Kidney Disease Patients |
| Description: |
Springfield College exercise physiology faculty members assess exercise and nutrition needs of patients with kidney disease and provide information on lifestyle changes. This project is conducted in collaboration with Western New England Renal Transplant Associates and is supported by the National Institutes of Health. |
| Contact: |
Samuel Headley, Professor of Exercise Science & Sport Studies Education, (413) 748-334 |
| Program: |
Services for the Blind |
| Description: |
Springfield College faculty members and students in the adapted physical education program provide year-round socialization, recreation, and sports activities for area children who are legally blind. Activities are designed to increase physical fitness and to help seeing-impaired youth assimilate in their community with nondisabled persons. The program is partially supported by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. |
| Contact: |
Carl Fetteroll, Program Director for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Programming at Springfield College, (413) 748-3709 |
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| Program: |
Spalding Hoophall Classic |
| Description: |
As a result of Springfield College’s longstanding relationship with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the college co-hosts the Spalding Hoophall Classic, a nationally televised event that attracts more than 10,000 visitors to Greater Springfield. Local, regional, and national high school men’s and women’s basketball teams compete, including a number of the nation’s best teams. Springfield College student volunteers also support the activities and programs of the Basketball Hall of Fame. |
| Contact: |
Ronald Ziemba, Office of the President, (413) 748-3727 |
| Program: |
Springfield Area Diving |
| Description: |
This AAU club program provides lessons and competitive training in springboard diving to people of all age groups, especially high school students, from throughout Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut, particularly Greater Springfield. In addition to developing diving talent, its mission is to support, enhance, and promote the sport of diving locally. |
| Contact: |
Peter Avdoulos, Head Diving Coach, (413) 748-3445 |
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| Program: |
Springfield College AmeriCorps Program |
| Description: |
Established in 1997, this program combines undergraduate and graduate student education with meeting community needs. Eighty-five participating students (AmeriCorps members) provide services in health and in-school counseling and case management, academic coaching, youth leadership development, and volunteer recruitment and management. They serve at public schools, health care facilities, and other community-based organizations. Members receive a modest living allowance and, upon completion of their service, an education award that can be applied toward future tuition or qualified student loans. The program is supported in part by the Massachusetts Service Alliance and the Corporation for National and Community Service. |
| Contact: |
Shannon J. Langone, AmeriCorps Program Director, (413) 748-3610 |
| Program: |
Summer Camps |
| Description: |
Springfield College hosts a wide variety of summer camp programs for children ages 4 to 18, including: soccer, basketball, gymnastics and fitness, tennis, football, softball, and athletic training. The sports camps are taught by Springfield College coaches and are designed to teach skills and provide an atmosphere of fun and learning through comradeship. The student athletic trainer workshop is designed for high school students interested in careers in athletic training and sports medicine. |
| Contact: |
Katherine Smith, Director of Conferences and Special Events, (413) 748-5287 |
| Program: |
Support for the YMCA of Greater Springfield |
| Description: |
Springfield College has historic ties to the YMCA. Accordingly, select Springfield College administrators and faculty members serve on the corporate board and administrative committees of the YMCA of Greater Springfield. In addition, some of the College’s students, in particular those who are preparing for careers as YMCA leaders, either work part-time or conduct their internship at the Y. They assist administrators; coach and referee sports events; or organize events, tournaments, and youth programs at the Springfield YMCA. |
| Contact: |
Harry Rock, Director, Office of YMCA Relations, (413) 748-3914 |
| Program: |
Tutoring and Mentoring Programs |
| Description: |
Springfield College students tutor and mentor Springfield elementary school children through several programs:
--The Partners Program pairs 50 Springfield College students annually with children from DeBerry and Brookings schools for weekly sessions including dinner in the college’s dining hall. The program has served more than 1,200 youngsters in its 15-year history.
--Through the America Reads Program, 90 Springfield College students work with children at 16 sites including Springfield public schools, community centers, not-for-profit organizations, and other public service venues.
--Through the 5A Program, Springfield College students tutor and mentor children, ages 8 through 15, on the Springfield College campus. This program has been in place since 1994. |
| Contact: |
--Charlene Elvers, Director, Office of Student Volunteer Programs, (413) 748-3129 (America Reads and Partners Program)
--John Wilson, Multicultural Center Director, (413) 748-3249 (5A Program) |
| Program: |
William Blizard Gallery |
| Description: |
This art exhibition center, open to the public free of charge on weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., during the academic year, hosts an ongoing schedule of changing exhibitions in painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and other creative media by student artists and also regional, national, and international artists. |
| Contact: |
Ronald Maggio, Chair, Visual and Performing Arts Department, (413) 748-3753 |
| Program: |
William Simpson Fine Arts Series |
| Description: |
Each year Springfield College presents about two dozen visual and performing arts programs that are open to the public. Most of them are free of charge, and others have nominal admission fees. Programs include musical concerts, theater presentations, film festivals, dance concerts, art exhibitions, readings by noted authors, and innovative multi-media arts events. |
| Contact: |
Carol Mitchell, William Simpson Fine Arts Series Chair, (413) 748-3187 |
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| Program: |
The Weckwerth Lecture |
| Description: |
This scholarly event annually brings leading experts in sport management and recreation to Springfield College. Lecturers address emerging trends in these fields including the latest marketing strategies. Recent subjects have included Game Day Security for Stadiums and Arenas, Child Life practices, programming for America's Wounded Warriors, and the care of natural resources. Free of charge, it is open to students, professionals in these fields, and the community at large. The event is named in honor of Charles F. Weckwerth, distinguished Springfield College professor of humanics emeritus. |
| Contact: |
Matthew Pantera, Professor of Sport Management and Recreation, (413) 748-3749 |
| Program: |
The World Is Flat |
| Description: |
Springfield College science and education faculty members and students work with the Springfield Public Schools and Springfield Science Museum to prepare highly qualified science teachers in kindergarten through grade eight. Teachers and future teachers develop their skills in identifying elementary school students’ misconceptions about science concepts and in designing instruction to correct those misconceptions. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education. |
| Contact: |
Robert Barkman, Professor of Education, (413) 748-3734 |
