The Piper Center helps students develop the necessary skills and capacities to serve and to lead in personal, community and global realms, and thus helps prepare them to be responsible and knowledgeable citizens of the world.
Service & Community Engagement Opportunities (before graduation) — Community service and volunteering can be a meaningful way to develop skills, explore vocational and career interests and make a difference in the lives of others. In additional to pursuing service-oriented internships, students can take advantage of any of the following:
- Internships (service-oriented)
- Local Opportunities
- Community-based Work Study
- Funding & Grants (Davis Project for Peace, Phillips Scholars, etc.)
Post-graduate Service — Opportunities to gain experience, develop leadership skills and make a difference as part of a one or two year post-graduate commitment. Types of opportunities include:
- AmeriCorps
- Faith- based Programs (e.g., Lutheran Volunteer Corps)
- International Programs (e.g., Peace Corps)
- Alternative Teacher Certification Programs (e.g., Teach for America)
- Teaching English Abroad
Leadership Development — Opportunities to learn about yourself, collaborate with others and develop skills necessary for effective and authentic leadership.
- Quo Vadis Sophomore Retreat (offered twice per year)
- St. Olaf Leadership Opportunities with the Student Government Association
Piper Center staff and peer advisors are eager to help students integrate service and leadership development into their St. Olaf education. Students are encouraged to stop by the Piper Center to meet with a peer advisor or to schedule an appointment on Handshake with Nate Jacobi or another Piper Center coach.