The Center for Community Engagement and Service (CCES) is AU’s hub for community outreach, volunteering and service-learning opportunities in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Being part of the DC community is an important part of the student experience at AU, and CCES is where students come to connect.

You can tutor DC students with DC Reads. Earn class credit with volunteer work through the Community Service-Learning Program (CSLP). Participate in or lead a domestic or global service experience through the Alternative Breaks Program. You can even turn your passion into a project with an Eagle Endowment. 

Not sure where to start? Explore our list of service opportunities in the DC area. 

What’s coming up

Day of Service challenge: MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, and is observed each year to encourage community volunteering. It will be marked this year at AU between Jan. 18-30. What are you doing this year? Register your project and tell us!

MLK Visionary Award: The Martin Luther King, Jr. 2020 Visionary Award will be given to an American University alum who has displayed civic engagement, leadership, and service through his/her/their involvement with area schools, community agencies, and/or nonprofit organizations. We will be awarding an outstanding member of American University's alumni group who is actively engaged in the DC area this January 27th from 7-8pm. Register here to join us for this ceremony!

Alternative Breaks: All 2020-2021 Alternative Break Programs will be conducted in a virtual / online format at no cost to students. Apply by Jan. 29, 2021 to participate.  Find out about the programs and opportunities!