Volunteer Services
The Office of Student Life works to provide a variety of volunteer opportunities for Widener students. Information on these programs can be found on this page, as well as in the Volunteer Opportunities section of Campus Cruiser. If you are interested in any of these programs, contact the Office of Student Life.
Volunteer Programs
Bigs
Now In its fifth year, Widener's Bigs program, a collaboration with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeastern Pennsylvania, attracts volunteers from the Main Campus to spend time with children from the Stetser Elementary School, which is adjacent to Widener's Main Campus.
Widener Big Friends
This mentoring program allows Widener University community members to interact with Chester youth. Area elementary and middle school children come to campus two days a week and do schoolwork, play games, and perform other activities with the members of the Widener community. The goal of the program is to encourage children to form positive relationships with people that can mentor them in the future.
Widener CARES Tutoring Project
Now in its eighth year, the Widener Cares Tutoring Project connects members of the Widener campus community with elementary and middle school students in Chester–area schools. Volunteers spend an hour a week at one of three sites: Freedom Baptist Church, The Nia Center, and the Unity Center.
Profound Service Once a Month
PSOMs (Profound Service Once a Month) are different community service projects for students to experience once a month. Each month, the service project will focus on a specific need of the community, differing from the previous month. There are no long-term commitments for participation; students can sign up for events as they choose. The diversity in community service projects allow students to try out different community needs, often finding the one that truly interests them and inspires a lifetime continuance in community participation. Please check Volunteer Opportunities on Campus Cruiser for more information.
Volunteer Organizations
Alpha Phi Omega
Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a national service fraternity dedicated to developing leadership, promoting friendship, and providing service to humanity. Alpha Phi Omega at Widener University is a co-ed fraternity. It was founded on Oct. 13, 1982. Alpha Phi Omega is open to any student enrolled at the university who joins with the chapter's members in their service projects, accepts the principles of scouting on which the fraternity's ideals are based, and meets the standards of the fraternity.
Alternative Breaks
Service and educational experiences offering small groups of students, faculty, and staff hands-on opportunities to take a closer look at issues facing people and communities overlooked by the larger society. Participants do community service to experience and explore the culture, faith, and lifestyle of the people in their host communities, while sharing their backgrounds with the people they meet. Opportunities to take part include the Fall Alternative Break and a choice of Spring alternative breaks, having the options of attending a local, national, or international trip, depending on student interest.
Habitat for Humanity
The purpose of this organization is to provide a means for the Widener University community to help low-income families by creating affordable housing. We will work with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to educate, advocate, fund raise and build. The group does numerous fundraising projects throughout the year in addition to regular Habitat Weekend builds. The chapter on campus was formed in Fall 2006 and is quickly making an impact.
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