Volunteer Opportunities

Many students come to campus after completing numerous hours of service in their home communities and abroad, and many others look forward to joining new and returning students in service on campus and within the Frederick community. Hood offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in volunteer and civic engagement via Student Government, service clubs and organizations, honor societies and the athletic department.

Regardless of the service, there is something for everyone from stuffing backpacks for children, organizing Thanksgiving basket drives for needy families, collecting supplies and funds for domestic and global relief efforts, or serving in the local soup kitchen. We believe that service is one way of paying it forward.

Visit civic engagement and community service organizations for information about how you can get involved on and around campus. Below are just a few opportunities that are offered annually by student organizations and campus offices.

Mortar Board Honor Society sponsors Safe Harvest, a traditional event held in October, in celebration of Halloween. Hundreds of children aged 12 and under and their parents enjoy an evening of organized games, arts and crafts and entertainment before trick-or-treating throughout decorated student residence halls. Click here to read more about Safe Harvest.

Alternative Break trips, sponsored annually during fall and spring breaks by the Office of the Dean of the Chapel, offer opportunities for students to participate in volunteer service and contextual learning locally, around the United States and abroad. Since the start of the program, students have completed projects with community organizations in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and throughout Maryland. For more information about Alternative Break opportunities, contact omalley@hood.edu.

Student Government sponsors an annual Easter Egg Hunt including crafts and games for children in the Frederick Community.

Hood College Ionic Society sponsors annual on-campus and virtual blood drives.

The Athletic Department including student athletes and the athletic staff complete a minimum of 10 hours of service a semester to various non-profit community organizations, such as Patty Hurwitz 5K, Yards for Yardley, Special Olympics, and athletic service to local elementary and high schools.