All students have opportunities throughout the year to participate in University-sponsored civic and community engagement activities.
Visit the Civic and Community Engagement site on Discover to find service opportunities sponsored by our office. And follow us on Instagram!
Annual Events
Alternative Spring Break
March 2026
Service Site/Focus: TBD
This week-long service trip offers participants (24 students and 4 trip advisers) a complete immersion into a community that may be very different from their own, with the specific goal of making a positive, lasting impact on that community. This experience is designed to engage students on multiple levels, including personal development, group and team dynamics, and public service. Through reflection and civil discourse, participants are challenged to grow as individuals and rethink previous assumptions about others and society as a whole.
Excellence in Leadership & Service Awards
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Join us in this celebration of the outstanding achievements of Penn State Behrend's clubs and organizations and the individual leaders who contribute to our community.
Discovery Fair
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Discovery Fair promotes on-campus leadership, volunteer, and civic engagement opportunities to new and current students. In addition, the Fair allows college departments and programs, as well as local nonprofits, a way to introduce themselves and their missions to Behrend students.
International Coastal Clean-up
Third Saturday of September
9:00 a.m.–noon
This annual volunteer event is part of a worldwide program to clean and protect our oceans and water sources. By participating in the International Coastal Cleanup, you can make a difference by joining millions of volunteers just like you, who love the environment and want to protect it. Transportation and supplies provided.
Behrend Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
A Behrend Thanksgiving, formerly known as Dinner for Six, is a time for smaller groups of individuals to gather and enjoy an intimate dining experience. Come get to know each other as faculty members, staff, students, and—most importantly—as a community!
**This event also marks the end of our Thanksgiving Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA. If you plan on attending the dinner and would like to participate in the food drive, please contact Civic and Community Engagement programs at [email protected].
Free and open to all members of the Penn State Behrend community.
Hanging of the Greens
