Service

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Social responsibility is a core value at Eastern. Students are encouraged to contribute to the local community as soon as they arrive on campus, and they respond by generously sharing their time and talents in many ways. The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is the focal point for coordinating community service on campus. Service projects are also sponsored by student clubs, athletic teams and resident halls. In addition, “service learning” courses connect classroom learning to related community needs.

1,500

volunteers

$700,000

value to community

28,000

hours

Students volunteer at the local soup kitchen, in local after-school programs, at senior centers, and with many other social agencies and nonprofits.

Community Programs

Volunteer at local events ranging from the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to the Special Olympics Swim Meet, from the Penguin Plunge to the annual Walk for Warmth.

Special Events

More than 100 courses over time — tied to majors and serving the local hospital, the local community garden, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and other causes.

Service Learning Courses

CCE House

Eastern volunteers have their own house—the Center for Community Engagement—where student leaders help professional staff match engaged students to pressing community needs; coordinate ongoing service projects; and plan special service events.

School Programs

Almost 1,000 students volunteer in local in- and after-school programs, leveraging ringing their expertise to tutor middle and high school students, plan recreational activities and provide personal support.

Special Events

The Center for Community Engagement manages upward of 100 events a year, ranging from one-time events to local traditions such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the Special Olympics Swim Meet, the Penguin Plunge and the Walk for Warmth.

Food Security

Eastern students actively assist in local food and nutrition programs, distributing healthy food through the Connecticut Food Bank; volunteering in community gardens; and supporting other local food security and nutritional programs.

Town Pride, Town Wide

“Town Pride, Town Wide” is a popular spring beautification day when Eastern students, alumni and local residents work together to clean and spruce up streets and public spaces in Willimantic.

Service Expo/Awards

Each spring, the CCE hosts a Service Expo to showcase the contributions of Eastern students, capped off by an award reception at the end of the day.

For more information:
(860) 465-0090
cce@easternct.edu

Student Leaders

Social Work

Muneed Butt ’25

Muneed is a regular volunteer for Eastern’s Center for Community Engagement. “It is fulfilling to volunteer and see the smiles on the faces of those impacted by simply putting in a few hours a week. I’ve always wanted to help people in small ways and by doing so, little by little, it will hopefully create a dent in this world one day.”

St. Joseph Living Center

Darlene Orozco

A junior studying psychology, Darlene spent summer 2026 assisting with operations and support at St. Joseph Living Center, a Windham health care facility. She was much appreciated by residents as student volunteers normally leave for the summer. “Their absence is felt,” said Darlene. “Being able to be there, transporting residents, aiding the recreational department, and interacting with residents makes a difference.”

Windham Rec Department

Emily Grimaldi

A senior studying social work, Emily Grimaldi supported summer 2026 operations at the Windham Recreation Department. Learning the history of Willimantic was a big part of the experience. “Eastern students are guests living in a town full of rich history.” People from diverse backgrounds “all go (to Windham Rec) for one thing ... to have fun and enjoy the programs the Rec offers.”