Civic Engagement
Many GTC students have been a part of the Greenville community for most of their lives and will remain in the area. As a result, equipping students with the skills needed to care for the Greenville community is the goal of the office of Civic Engagement.
Civic engagement is a core value promoted by Greenville Technical College. It is a vehicle for creating a sense of ownership and responsibility for improving the local community. Civic engagement opportunities support student success by enhancing the academic experience and encouraging leadership development through community service.
Mission: To promote social responsibility through academic community-based learning and volunteerism
Vision: Our vision is to create a community of engaged and informed citizens committed to positive social change
Source: Breakaway
Civic Engagement: Actions associated with identifying and addressing community issues to encourage long term social change
Service Learning: A teaching and learning strategy that combines classroom instruction with meaningful community service, focusing on critical, reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility
Volunteerism: Willingly giving un-paid time to provide a community service supporting a specific cause or organization
- Increases awareness of community problems
- Real-world application of academic concepts
- Leadership and interpersonal development
- Increases personal value of community
“I serve because it strengthens the community, but it also allows you to become more aware of the world around you.” – Dental Hygiene student
“I am serving to contribute to the local community, and I brought my children to serve with me to educate them on the benefits of helping others.” – University Transfer student
“I serve because it’s my purpose. I serve because it’s my passion. I serve because it is for the benefit of mankind.” – GTC staff
“It means looking beyond the narrow scope of our own lives and reaching out to others in need.” – GTC faculty
“I enjoy giving back to the community. It’s nice to know that I can do things to help people in need that live around me.” – GTC Charter High School student
“I serve because I know how it feels to be served.” – Aircraft Maintenance student
- Quality source of human capital
- Cultivates lifelong volunteers
- Shared community value and commitment to social change
- Increases awareness of organization’s mission, services, and needs
- Hands On Greenville: United Way Volunteer Center for Greenville-specific events
- Volunteer Match: Nationwide volunteer network searchable by location, cause, and interests
- Idealist: Non-Profit volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs
- AmeriCorps: One-year service commitment around the United States; participants earn education award
CONTACT US
Janna Pennington
Janna.Pennington@gvltec.edu
(864) 236-6641