Get Involved

In addition to our service opportunities, there are many opportunities for students to engage with PittServes and get involved in their civic community.

Student Civic Engagement Council

The Student Civic Engagement Council’s (SCEC) mission is to enrich student civic engagement opportunities with local Pittsburgh communities and neighborhoods.

Learn more about the Student Civic Engagement Council.

Civic Action Fellows

Civic Action Fellows (CAF) is an immersive, academic year-long community engagement opportunity for undergraduate students through the Office of PittServes and the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs. Civic Action Fellows commit to working with community-based, non-profit organizations to advance community interests through project-based partnerships in either Hazelwood, Homewood, The Hill District or Oakland.

The mission of the program is to build and sustain long-term place-based partnerships between the University and community stakeholders, develop strong partnerships with community organizations, enhance capacity of organizations, inform students on methods to ethically and responsibly engage with the community, and develop student’s professional skill set.

Learn more about the Civic Action Fellows & how to apply.

Signature Days of Service Committee

The Signature Days of Service Committee is the student team that brings you all three signature service days at Pitt: Civic Action Week, MLK Day of Service, and Be a Good Neighbor Day.​ Our committee coordinates opportunities for more than 1500 students to spend each Day of Service serving in various Pittsburgh communities.

Learn more about the Signature Days of Service Committee.

Alternative Breaks

Alternative breaks are available every other year and are not available during the 2023-2024 school year.

Not available during the 2023-2024 school year

Alternative Break gives you the chance to participate in community-based projects that include engagement with members of the community and exposure to the problems, customs, and culture of the region. Our teams are trained by community partners to understand the specific content of their service work and are prepared to carry out their tasks.

Each trip will be comprised of a diverse group of students who will get to know one another in pre-service meetings January – March. This is a great way to meet new people who are also passionate about service! Choose to serve locally, nationally or internationally, receive pre-training, and take leadership roles on campus by participating in Alternative Break. These are students who want to make a difference, learn about themselves, and create a better community.   

Team meetings will begin in January in preparation for travel in March. 

During the week of Alternative Spring Break, a team of Pitt students participate in daily service projects with local nonprofit organizations and community partners. All transportation is coordinated through the Office of PittServes. The sponsoring agency gives an orientation that outlines the social issues that impact the community. Students have the opportunity to serve in Pittsburgh neighborhoods, Tennessee, and communities in Ecuador. 

Students participate in intentional team building and community service with members of the organizations served. Spring Break is offered for all Pitt students. Each program determines the travel schedule, number of hours served, and continued engagement. Alternative Break is both drug-free and alcohol-free.

Learn more about Alternative Break offerings in the volunteer portal.