Whether partnering with the University, conducting research, serving in the community or meeting a curricular need, there are many opportunities to get involved and make an impact.
Programs
Home Buying Information Sessions
Syracuse University partners with Home HeadQuarters, Inc. to offer a series of home education programs to provide information on buying a home, open positions at Syracuse University, and the Syracuse University Enhanced Mortgage Program available to employees. Representatives from Home HeadQuarters, Inc. and the Syracuse University Office of Real Estate will provide information to attendees. Registration information is available at www.homehq.org.
Sessions are held at in the Community Engagement Meeting Room at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette St. Syracuse, NY 13202.
Thursday Morning Roundtable
Currently being held via Zoom, Thursday Morning Roundtable is a civic engagement program hosted by Syracuse University. The weekly Thursday morning meetings, held during the academic year, feature a presentation about an issue or topic of general interest. After each presentation, the speaker holds a question-and-answer session. WCNY-FM, 91.3, broadcasts the programs on the following Sundays at 8 p.m.
Food Insecurity Awareness Initiative
The Office of Community Engagement supports efforts to combat food insecurity, both on the Syracuse University campus and in our Central New York community. The Food Insecurity Initiative works to raise awareness to the issue of food insecurity by supporting a major community food drive. Partnering with the Salvation Army, Stadium staff and volunteers, the Office of Community Engagement coordinates this event during a football game at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Holiday Giving Programs at Syracuse University
During the holiday season, the Office of Community Engagement coordinates various holiday giving programs on campus so University faculty and staff can voluntarily contribute to the distribution of holiday items through programs administered by our local nonprofit partners.
United Way Employee Giving Campaign
The Office of Community Engagement serves as the administrative site for the university-wide United Way campaign. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Syracuse University campaign may email the Office of Community Engagement.
Operation Orange Warmup Coat Drive
The Operation Orange Warmup Coat Drive is an initiative held every winter that collects and provides warm coats to those in need in our Syracuse community. Syracuse University organizes the collection, sorting, and preparation of the coats and partners with InterFaith Works, a local non-profit organization, who distributes the coats to our neighbors in need. Syracuse University also partners with Hendricks Chapel and the Rescue Mission to provide coats for Syracuse University students who may be in need of a winter jacket.
Syracuse City School District Career and Technical Education Program Partnership
Summer Internship Program
The Summer Internship program is a partnership between Syracuse University and the SCSD that offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) students to engage in a 6-week hands-on opportunity with Syracuse University employees in a field that aligns with their chosen learning pathway. The Summer Internship Program offers the opportunity for rising high school juniors enrolled in the SCSD CTE program to gain valuable hands-on experience working with professionals in their chosen field.
Spring Shadow Program
The Spring Shadow program offers the opportunity for high school seniors enrolled in the SCSD CTE students to engage in a 4-week job shadow opportunity with Syracuse University Facilities staff in a field that aligns with their chosen learning pathway, helping them gain valuable on-site experience observing professionals in their chosen field.
Summer STEAM Camp
Syracuse University offers a week-long science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) camp for local youth. Participants engage in hands-on activities with community partners and University faculty that highlight the arts and sciences. This program aims to present STEAM topics in an accessible way to get young people excited about exploring the arts and sciences.
Resources
Blessings in a Backpack
Blessings in a Backpack is a national program with local support organized on campus by two groups of Syracuse University student athletes. The athletes held a fundraising drive entitled “44 Hours of Change” on Sept. 15-17, 2022, with the goal of raising $10,000 in partnership with the Syracuse City School District.
Please consider supporting this effort by donating to Blessings in a Backpack.
Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry
The Chapel Food Pantry supports Syracuse University students by providing access to fresh and shelf stable goods as well as personal care items. During the 2023 academic year, the pantry received anywhere from 100-250 student visitors per week. There are currently two food pantries on campus, directly across from the dean’s suite in Hendricks Chapel and on South Campus. Both pantries rely on monetary and food donations. Monetary donations are used to buy items like fresh produce, protein bars, soups, pasta, snacks, and personal hygiene items.
Hendricks Chapel relies on generous donations from the Syracuse University community to stock the food pantry.
Book Buddies Program
The Book Buddies program is a collaboration between the Syracuse City School District, the United Way of Central New York, and M&T Bank that offers the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a local child. The program connects Syracuse City School District students in grades K-3 with community volunteers and provides students with a supportive environment to practice reading, helping them become stronger, more confident readers.
If you would like to support this initiative by registering to volunteer to become a Book Buddy, please contact Laurie Black at bookbuddies@unitedway-cny.org
Syracuse University Guaranteed Mortgage Program
This program provides eligible faculty and staff an alternative financing method to purchase a home in designated neighborhoods in the Syracuse area. For more information, visit the Syracuse University Guaranteed Mortgage Program.