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Community Engagement

Welcome to the GRCC Honors Program Community Engagement Hub

At GRCC, we believe that community engagement is an essential part of developing well-rounded leaders who are committed to making a positive difference. As an Honors Program student, you are required to complete four hours of volunteer service each semester. 

This page will guide you through the process of finding meaningful volunteer opportunities, submitting your Community Engagement Reflection Form, and applying for special recognitions, such as the Community Engagement Above & Beyond Award and the Community Engagement Leadership Award. Explore the resources below to get started on your journey to making an impact in your community!

Community Engagement

Step 1: Choose your volunteer activity

The act of volunteering is when an individual makes a choice to give/gift (no compensation) their time and skills towards a community issue in the interest of the common good (making the world a better place). Volunteering is typically completed at a community organization/nonprofit.

In the context of the Honors Program, we strongly encourage students to use this as an opportunity to learn something new, step out of your comfort zone and to gain community engagement and empathy skills.

It’s really important to plan ahead. The Heart of West Michigan United Way publishes a database full of opportunities. 

Find Volunteer Opportunities

Step 2: Complete your volunteer activity

HNR 101 students are required to participate in Community Engagement Week (CEW). They may volunteer on their own and/or as part of the Day of Service event.

Non-HNR 101 students may complete their hours at any point during the semester.

Here is a short video to walk you through completing the "community engagement" requirement for the Honors Program. The video covers the following:

  • Purpose of the community engagement
  • HNR 101 and Non-HNR 101 student participation
  • Selecting community engagement opportunities
  • Successfully completing your hours
  • Going above and beyond

Here is the PowerPoint presentation used in the instructional video. The PowerPoint has several resources and links to help you be successful in completing your hours.

It’s important to capture your service by taking a few photos of yourself. You will need at least one photo of yourself completing your service as part of submitting your reflection form (see Step 3). 

Step 3: Complete the Reflection Form

In order for successfully complete the Community Engagement Week requirements, students must complete four hours of volunteering and submit the reflection form.

Reflection Form

Community Engagement Recognition

Above & Beyond Award

This award recognizes exceptional students in GRCC’s Honors Program who have demonstrated a deep commitment to community service by completing 40 or more volunteer hours over two consecutive semesters. Recipients of this award have shown dedication to making a positive impact in their community, exemplifying the values of leadership, compassion, and civic responsibility.

Once you have accumulated your hours, please submit the confirmation form. Please be aware that this process requires students to upload photos of them performing their volunteer activities and a letter from your organization(s) proving your completion of volunteer hours.

Submit the Above & Beyond Award confirmation form

Example Above and Beyond Submission

Community Leadership Award

This award recognizes exceptional students in GRCC’s Honors Program who have demonstrated a deep commitment to community service by creating a volunteer event. To earn this award, students must lead one group volunteer project consisting of 10 GRCC students and totaling four hours. Recipients of this award have shown dedication to making a positive impact in their community, exemplifying the values of leadership, compassion, and civic responsibility.

Once you have facilitated your volunteer event, please submit the confirmation form. Please be aware that this process requires students to upload photos of their volunteer event.

Submit the Community Leadership Award confirmation form

Example Community Leadership Award Submission

Questions?

Please email us at honors@grcc.edu or text us at (616) 236-5343.

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