Our student service organizations work towards the betterment of our communities; support causes and organizations through service and philanthropy; and provide inclusive, fun, and enriching environments for students to serve together.
Student Service/Philanthropy Organizations
There are many clubs and organizations at Behrend that dedicate time and energy to service, but we couldn't possibly list them all. Below we've highlighted our service clubs and organizations dedicated almost exclusively to service:
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Alpha Phi Omega: A co-ed national service fraternity based on scouting principles. Alpha Phi Omega does service throughout the Erie Community and is open to all students.
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American Association of University Women—Penn State Behrend: Works to empower women and girls through education. AAUW collaborates with the national organization to sponsor female students through scholarships and grants, and provide platforms for female students to voice and discuss issues of concern.
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Behrend Benefitting THON: A philanthropic club on campus that raises money and awareness year-round for children with pediatric cancer. The club is a commonwealth organization of Penn State's Dance Marathon, otherwise known as THON, which is the world's largest student-run philanthropy and committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. The mission of THON is "to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness and ensure funding for critical research—all in pursuit of a cure." Behrend Benefitting THON has the honor of supporting three Four Diamond Families: The Sophie Ruiz Family, The Rylee Dorer Family, and The Katie Sowers Family. The money they raise throughout the year goes toward these three families to help with any expenses. Read more and donate by going to Behrend Benefitting THON's giving website. Their 2018-2019 fundraising total was $57,155.67.
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Circle K: Works to unite students across the Behrend campus while reaching out into the Erie community and making a difference. They are a nationally recognized organization that fosters the principles of developing leadership skills, community service, and friendship. Check out this great article on the Behrend Blog about their service work.
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Gamma Sigma Sigma: A service sorority developed in the spirit of service and friendship. They do many community service, philanthropic, and social events, both on and off campus. This national service sorority has chapters all over the United States dedicated to helping others.
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Project Paws: A club devoted to helping local animal shelters through fundraising and volunteering projects. These shelters include, but are not limited to, the Humane Society, The Anna Shelter, Because You Care, and Hope on Horseback.
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Random Acts of Kindness: Works to strengthen relationships among members of the Penn State Behrend and other local communities by fulfilling requests to give back to those in need on an individual and group basis.
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Reality Check: A service-based student organization whose mission is to enhance the educational, cultural, and social experience of Penn State Behrend students through meaningful and impactful community engagement opportunities. They host on-campus and off-campus service projects, led by student leaders, focusing on specific impact areas (youth development, neighborhood improvement, etc.). The executive board also plays a major role in Behrend's Alternative Spring Break program; they plan and coordinate trip logistics, recruit and select participants, lead fundraising efforts, and serve as trip leaders. The Reality Check Advisory Team is co-advised by the assistant director and coordinator of Civic and Community Engagement.
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Relay For Life of Penn State Behrend: Hosts campus events that serve as a powerful way for the Behrend community to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. The Relay For Life movement features campus and community events that offer an opportunity to honor the cancer survivors in your life, promote how you can reduce your cancer risk, and raise money to help find a cure.
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Senior Care Club: Exists to improve the lives and well-being of senior citizens, primarily seniors living in nursing homes in the local area. The club participants volunteer their time and help host events and activities such as bingo, Christmas card drives, and arts and crafts projects for seniors.
Are you a student who wants to join or start a service organization on campus? To join, visit the BehrendSync pages linked to each organization above, and contact the club and organization leaders. To start an organization, contact Student Leadership and Involvement.
