25.5 CSU’s Office of Civic Engagement

CSU’s Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) is another resource for students looking to make a difference both on campus and in the community. The OCE promotes active citizen engagement as a core value, encouraging students to participate in various programs and initiatives that foster a sense of civic duty and community involvement.

One of the primary ways students can get involved is through service-learning opportunities like Viking Corps and the America Reads program. These initiatives place students in meaningful roles within the community, such as tutoring at local schools and libraries, helping them develop critical soft skills and build their professional networks. The OCE also offers the Democracy Fellowship Program, which partners with organizations like Campus Vote Project to provide students with hands-on experience in promoting voter engagement and education.

The OCE organizes numerous events and activities throughout the year, including voter registration drives and community service projects. For example, the office collaborated with the CSU Men’s Basketball Team to volunteer at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, repacking food for families in need. They also host the Kindland Summit, which brings together community leaders to discuss and promote kindness and generosity within the community.

Students interested in civic engagement can find a variety of ways to get involved, from participating in local government meetings to joining campus organizations like the CSU League of Women Voters or the Student Socialist Society. The Office of Civic Engagement provides the tools and opportunities for students to become active, informed citizens, making a positive impact on their community and beyond.

For more information, visit the Office of Civic Engagement website and explore the many ways you can get involved and make a difference at CSU and in the city of Cleveland.