Volunteer and Direct Service Opportunities for IC Students

Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Would you like to explore different options for volunteering? You've come to the right place!

Get Started!

The Guide to Volunteering developed by Study.com offers in-depth information in several areas, including: the benefits of volunteering; examples of volunteering opportunities on campus, in the community, and abroad; how to transition from a volunteer position to a career; organizations around the country that offer volunteering programs; how to balance volunteer work with college studies.

Join a student organization! There are dozens of active student organizations that focus on service and activism - check them out on IC Engage, and you could find a group of friends to volunteer with!

Find an opportunity that interests you in the local community! Use the list below to contact an organization that looks for volunteers on an on-going basis. Or, volunteer at one of our group service events during the semester!

Ongoing LOCAL Volunteer Opportunities:

A short list of organizations seeking regular volunteers in the Tompkins County area.

2-1-1 Tompkins - An information and referral service that connects individuals to community resources such as employment, healthcare, heat assistance, and other community services.

4-H Urban Outreach: The mission of the 4-H Urban Outreach Program is to take the 4-H Youth Development model and make it accessible to all audiences in our community. By providing daily after-school and summer programming, the program empowers youth and adults by creating opportunities that build academic and life skills through experiential learning. The aim is to ensure that youth achieve a sense of independence, belonging, mastery and generosity, to develop into positive, caring, and productive citizens.

Alternatives Library - The Durland Alternatives Library is dedicated to providing free and open access to materials expressing viewpoints and information not readily available through mainstream publications and mass-media sources. We are committed to providing information and educational materials to under-served and incarcerated people. They need volunteers for a variety of different projects! This is a great choice for students who are committed to social, political, and/or environmental justice.

Cayuga Nature Center - help with painting, cleaning, trailblazing and office work.

Ithaca Children's Garden - ICG holds "Volunteer Mondays" as well as a variety of events for anyone interested in helping out. No experience necessary.  ICG provides the tools and leads each project.  Bring a water bottle and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty!

Ithaca Free Health Clinic - The Ithaca Free Health Clinic is an excellent place for students who want to volunteer with an organization that addresses issues in the medical field. Students interested in volunteering are strongly encouraged to volunteer regularly throughout the semester.

Loaves and Fishes - Loaves and Fishes provides nutritious food, as well as hospitality to community residents who have determined themselves food insecure. Loaves and Fishes provides food for everyone who desires to eat together in a community setting, bar none. You can help them prepare food and provide a warm setting for their weekly meals by going to their website to learn more.

Tompkins County Public Library - For many people, libraries serve as the symbolic center for community resources, and are among the most socially just resources in a community. The Tompkins County Public Library serves as one such example. Patrons of the library have access to books, music, movies, magazines, computers, academic lectures, community reads, children's programs, and more. Support your local community library!

Volunteer Tompkins - Volunteer Tompkins is a community volunteer resource managed by United Way of Tompkins County with financial support from the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement at Cornell University. Join today to create your volunteer profile and begin exploring and matching with potential volunteer opportunities across the county!