Animated by its Catholic mission and values, the University of Notre Dame encourages and celebrates service as a fundamental aspect of a holistic education, inspiring in students a sense of solidarity with the global community and a genuine concern for the common good.
To that end, the University offers a variety of service-learning programs, such as NDBridge and the Higgins Labor Program, that combine academics and ethics. It also partners with major nonprofit organizations to promote volunteer service. And it supports the work of student-led groups, such as Circle K International, the Notre Dame Knights of Columbus, and the Notre Dame student government, that make service part of their mission.
The results speak for themselves.
More than 80% of Notre Dame students participate in service or service learning before they graduate. About 7% of each graduating class spends a year or more in volunteer service. And 800-plus Notre Dame graduates have served in the Peace Corps.
By comparison, only about a quarter of young people volunteer overall in the U.S., according to government data.
Members of the Sorin Society and donors to the Notre Dame Fund provide student programs like these with the resources they need to thrive and empower them to become forces for good in the world and in their communities. What does this commitment to service look like in practice? Read on to find out. >