Bentley University
EN-12: Community Service

The 4th-credit option offers students the opportunity to earn an additional academic credit in conjunction with a three-credit course. This program enhances learning by helping students apply course concepts in the world outside of the classroom, using knowledge gained in class to assist others. To be eligible for the 4th-credit option, students perform a minimum of 20 hours of direct service or research for a site in the nonprofit community and approximately 10 hours of academic reflection on and analysis of that service. Student can receive up to 3 additional credits for Service-Learning throughout their 4 years. For students who stay involved in several Service-Learning projects, there is a Service-Learning Undergraduate Certificate. The 120 hours of service required to apply may be composed of service undertaken through 4th-credit options, embedded course projects, internships, the International Service-Learning Program, and Bentley's noncredit work-study and Community Work Program. This is an additional distinction upon graduation. Finally, the Bentley-City Year “give a year” Scholarship Program provides selected Bentley students with scholarships for spending a year serving as a City Year Corps Member. As tutors, mentors, and role models, you and other idealistic leaders will make a difference in the lives of children, and transform schools and neighborhoods in 24 U.S. locations. Bentley undergraduate students who apply for and are awarded a “give a year” scholarship will receive a $20,000 credit toward their senior year Bentley tuition. Bentley graduate students who apply and are awarded the scholarship will receive the $20,000 tuition credit for their graduate study. Note that graduate students must be enrolled on a full-time basis in the McCallum Graduate School. In either case, your “give a year” service must be performed before the scholarship is awarded. All “give a year” scholars must apply for and be accepted as a Corps Member by City Year as well. In addition to receiving the $20,000 tuition credit from Bentley, “give a year” scholars will receive a $5,550 education award from AmeriCorps.

Many charitable drives are organized by faculty and staff on Bentley's campus. The Wellness Center organizes a Relay 4 Life program each April which involves employees and students. Other groups organize blood drives, collections of canned goods and items for our troops. Campus Police runs a Toys for Tots donation program each December. Bentley's "Campus Connections" program also provides opportunities to give back to the community via Dress for Success and other clothing drives and the Waltham 5k Run in May which is a fundraiser for local middle and high schools. In addition, Bentley staff volunteer their time to help with the Office of Sustainability's move out program Give 'N Go where usable items are collected to donate to local charities. As part of Bentley's Centennial celebration, the Centennial Committee organized volunteer opportunities for Faculty and Staff - 517 people participated donating 1325 hours of service.

All students complete community service projects during their freshmen and senior years at a minimum. 30% of Bentley's student body is actively engaged in ongoing community projects through the Bentley Service Learning and Civic Engagement center. We estimate that another 10% of Bentley's student body is actively engaged in community service projects each semester through Greek Life, Student Affairs and student group programs.