Community Engagement
Public service and preparation for leadership have been at the heart of Mercer’s mission since its founding. Today, Mercer students have opportunities to serve and become advocates for positive change both locally and globally.
Mercer University has adopted the Carnegie definition of community engagement. The Carnegie Foundation defines community engagement as, “the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.”
Mercer University
Service and Civic Engagement
Service and civic engagement are integral to the Mercer student experience. In coordination with local and regional partners, the Office of Campus Life and Student Involvement hosts one-time and ongoing service and civic engagement projects throughout the year.
MerServe
MerServe is a student-run service leadership board. MerServe plans, coordinates, and hosts service programs and events, including Service Saturdays, Be a Good NeighBear, Lights on Afterschool and Spring Break for Service.
Mercer Votes
Mercer Votes is a nonpartisan campus coalition created to advance Mercer University’s voter registration, education and turnout efforts.
America Reads / America Counts
The America Reads/America Counts federal work-study program connects Mercer students with participating schools, churches and non-profit agencies. Through the America Reads/America Counts program, Mercerians serve as tutors and provide support in reading and math.
Engaged Learning
Engaged learning prepares Mercerians to change the world. The Center for Engaged Learning supports engaged learning and high-impact practices (HIPs) for Mercer University faculty, staff, students and community members. The Center for Engaged Learning directs service learning and service-research (Research That Reaches Out).
BearPulse
Mercer uses BearPulse to support student, faculty, and staff service and civic engagement. You can find service opportunities, track your on-campus and off-campus activities and connect with community partners through BearPulse.
Leadership
Mercer University has a long tradition of producing leaders who serve others. The tradition of leadership and service to others continues today with programs and initiatives, such as Mercer Leadership Fellows, Leadership Mercer and the Student Leadership Awards.
Global Impact
Mercer has taken on an increasing role as a global difference-maker through international service and education programs.
Mercer on Mission
Mercer On Mission combines study abroad and service-learning to provide life-changing experiences for students through academic instruction, cultural immersion, applied research, meaningful service, and spiritual reflection.
Learn more about Mercer On Mission
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps established the Peace Corps Prep Program in 2007. Through a focus on four competencies– sector-specific skills, foreign language proficiency, intercultural competence, and professional savvy and leadership, students completing the Peace Corps Prep program receive a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps service.
Because the Mercer experience is defined by the integration of student leadership, academic research, and service to others, the Peace Corps Prep Program is an ideal partnership that aligns with Mercer’s core values and mission to challenge our students to find innovative ways to apply their undergraduate research experience to assist communities with their self-identified development needs.
Fellowships and Scholarships
Community-engaged learning experiences provide the foundational skills and knowledge to prepare Mercerians to compete for prestigious fellowships and scholarships. The Office of Fellowships and Scholarships assists students in applying for nationally and internationally competitive merit scholarship programs that support undergraduate or graduate study, research or work experiences.