At the University of Virginia, public service is more than a tradition—it’s a way of life. Rooted in the values of Honor and Service, UVA encourages students to lead with integrity and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Whether you're just arriving on Grounds or looking to deepen your impact, there are countless ways to get involved. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most exciting public service opportunities UVA has to offer.
Public Service Pathways
Public Service Pathways prepares students as citizen-leaders in an interconnected world and empowers them to live out UVA’s mission to serve the community, state, country, and globe. Students engage in events categorized as Connect, Learn, and Serve, exploring a wide variety of service opportunities and tailored learning experiences. After two years of exploration, students complete one of seven pathways, earning the prestigious Presidential Public Service Scholar Distinction. Reflections and mentorship are central to the experience, making it a powerful foundation for lifelong civic engagement.
Subscribe to the Pathways bi-weekly newsletter and you’ll automatically be enrolled in the program with no obligation.
Follow UVA Public Service on Instagram.
Attend Connect, Learn, and Serve events throughout the year.
Choose your pathway by your third year to earn the Presidential Public Service Scholar Distinction.
Email Public Service Pathways with any program questions you may have.
Madison House
As UVA’s central volunteer hub, Madison House connects over 1,600 students each year with long-term service opportunities in Charlottesville. Volunteer placements are available with local partner organizations, including schools, hospitals, food pantries, housing improvement programs, community gardens, and animal welfare organizations. Programs are student-led and community-focused, providing leadership opportunities and deep connections with peers and area nonprofits.
Fill out the Madison House interest form to volunteer in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Follow Madison House on Instagram.
Volunteers commit to a semester or year of weekly service in a program.
Explore leadership roles, such as Program Director or Head Program Director.
Office of Student Engagement
The Office of Student Engagement supports over 700 student organizations (CIOs) and helps students find their place in UVA’s vibrant community. Many of these organizations focus on service, advocacy, and leadership. The office also offers programs like the Women’s Leadership Development Program and Blueprint Leadership Program, and helps students launch new initiatives that reflect their passions.
Subscribe to the Student Engagement newsletter to stay updated.
Follow Student Engagement on Instagram.
Visit Hoos Involved to browse and join student organizations.
Apply for leadership programs like the Women’s Leadership Development Program or Blueprint Leadership.
Karsh Institute of Democracy
The Karsh Institute is UVA’s hub for civic learning and democratic engagement. Through programs like the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship, students from all disciplines engage in dialogue, mindfulness, and leadership development. The Democracy Course Guide helps students find classes that explore democratic themes, and the Democracy360 conference brings thousands together to imagine a better democratic future.
Apply for the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship by September 1, 2025 (open to all undergraduate students, first-year students are especially encouraged to apply).
Subscribe to the Karsh Institute newsletter.
Use the Democracy Course Guide to find classes related to civic engagement.
Register for Democracy360, the Karsh Institute’s flagship event.
ROTC at UVA
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) prepares students for leadership in the U.S. Armed Forces. With branches in the Army, Navy/Marine Corps, and Air Force/Space Force, ROTC combines academic coursework with military training. Students can explore the program without committing to commission, and many receive scholarships and mentorship along the way.
Reach out to branch offices (Army, Navy, Air Force) for more info.
Join during your first or second year (third-year applications considered case-by-case).
Explore scholarship and career opportunities through ROTC.
Center for Community Partnerships
The Center for Community Partnerships (CCP) builds bridges between UVA and the Charlottesville community. Programs like Starr Hill Pathways connect UVA students with local youth for mentorship and college/career exploration. CCP emphasizes mutually beneficial engagement, encouraging students to step beyond Grounds and form meaningful, lasting relationships with the broader community.
Subscribe to the CCP newsletter.
Apply to be a tutor or mentor with Starr Hill Pathways if you're interested in long-term, education-focused service.
Engage in programs that connect with Charlottesville youth and community partners.
Student Council & Public Service Advisory Board
Student Council is UVA’s student self-governance body, advocating for student needs and overseeing funding for CIOs. Within it, the Public Service Advisory Board (PSAB) aligns service efforts across Grounds and promotes ethical community engagement. From creating resources to meeting with University leadership, PSAB is a great way to lead and serve.
Follow Student Council on Instagram.
Apply for General Body Member positions in the fall.
Run for Class Representative if you're a first-year or transfer student. Email Imane Akhanous, Chair of the Representative Body, with questions.
Connect with PSAB if you're interested in ethical service and cross-Grounds collaboration.
Ready to Get Involved?
Each of these programs offers unique ways to grow, lead, and serve. Whether you're mentoring local youth, advocating for change, or exploring a career in public service, UVA has a place for you to make your mark!