Community Engagement

W&M students working in community garden At William & Mary, community-engaged learning and leadership are central to our mission of cultivating responsible citizens. Many of our students participate in community service, and W&M is one of the top colleges producing Peace Corps volunteers.

Through the offices of Civic & Community Engagement, Student Leadership Development, and many other organizations on and off campus, students are encouraged to actively contribute to society and develop skills that will enable them to make a positive impact in their communities.

W&M's Tradition of Service

The university's focus on integrity, collaboration and social responsibility prepares graduates to lead with empathy and make meaningful contributions on both local and global scales.

^# 1

Best Public School for Making an Impact

The Princeton Review (2027)
^# 3

Medium Colleges & Universities Historically Producing the Most Peace Corps Volunteers

Peace Corps (2026)
^$ 60,000

in grant funding available for community engagement internships and projects annually

Ways to Get Involved

W&M students put civic engagement into practice, from leading student organizations to serving as confidential peer advocates, joining a board or council or partnering with a local community organization. You can browse and track opportunities through W&M GivePulse, the university's central hub for campus and community engagement.

W&M GivePulse

Civic & Community Engagement

Civic & Community Engagement offers programming and resources across a range of causes, communities and commitment levels.

Branch Out Alternative Breaks

Sign up for service-based learning trips during school breaks that are free to all enrolled W&M students.
Civic Leadership Program

Pursue two one-credit course opportunities and at least $1,000 for a community-impact summer project.
Education & Youth Department Programs

Participate in AmeriCorps, Griffin School Partnerships and other pre-K-12 youth programs.
Service Saturday

Join monthly one-time volunteer projects that serve local community organizations.
Williamsburg Engagement

Connect with student leaders to volunteer weekly in a local nonprofit organization.
Voter Engagement

Encourage your peers to be active and informed voters while participating in democracy.
Community Engagement Grants

See projects and internship funding opportunities.
Community Capacity Internships

Put your civic and career skills into practice while being a paid intern with local nonprofits.
Civic Action Scorecard

Have your efforts rewarded by participating in democracy and civic leadership.

Aerial shot of the Wren building at sunset with weathervane

Student Funding & Awards

Several student funding options are available to support your community-engaged projects and internships. Students, faculty and community partners can also be recognized with awards for their active citizenship and exemplary community engagement. Incoming first-year students can even be awarded a scholarship for their leadership achievements.

Awards Funding

Having the opportunity to engage so deeply with the Williamsburg community has by far been one of the biggest highlights of my time at William & Mary. I've been able to grow relationships with local nonprofits, community members from diverse backgrounds and students who share my passion for service.

Michelle Indelicato ’25 2024 President's Award for Service to Community winner; Sociology and religious studies double major with a concentration in social problems From Alexandria, VA

Campus Resources to Learn to Lead

Explore the offices and organizations that make community service a defining part of life at W&M.

Sharpe Community Scholars Program

Build your capacity to conduct ethical and responsive participatory action research through academic studies, research and service.
Student Engagement & Leadership

Find meaningful involvements and spaces of belonging across over 475 student organizations.
Student Leadership Development

Attend trainings, workshops, courses and other opportunities for student leadership on campus.
Honor Councils

Join a student-run council dedicated to upholding the first honor code in the nation.
Student Transition Engagement Programs (STEP)

Help STEP deliver initiatives and programs to support the broader W&M student experience.
Democracy Scholars

Connect with civically engaged scholars, expert mentors, and a strong, supportive community of their peers.
Compassionate Action Board

Bring compassion to the forefront of academics, thought and action at W&M.

Military Leadership

Through a mix of hands-on exercises and classroom instruction, military and veteran students can access leadership training and activities. The Military Science Program & Army ROTC provide specialized training for future military leaders, while the Office of Student Veteran Engagement offers dedicated support and resources for veterans pursuing their education.

Trailblazers & Changemakers: W&M Alumni Lead the Way

Meet the members of our community who are leading around the world. From U.S. presidents to research scientists, diplomats to CEOs and Academy Award winners to World Cup and NFL head coaches, William & Mary prepares students to succeed.

Bold Leaders