WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING STUDENTS FOR OUR WAIT LIST.
Community Experience is an urban-based program facilitating students' introduction to campus life through community-service in the Schenectady area. 50 First-Years and 10 upper-class leaders will participate in a three day experience in the Schenectady community. Students will work together in groups in multiple service settings. During the day, the program provides students with rewarding service activities. Students will also learn more about their new community by visiting local restaurants and other attractions in the evenings.
Community Experience participants will learn about the opportunities Union College students have to make a difference in the community and what Schenectady has to offer. This experience provides an opportunity to make early friends with other first year students, and prepares students to become actively engaged members of the larger community while at Union. The program is run by the Kenney Community Center, Union’s Community Outreach Department.
Students who in enroll in the program should have an interest in community service and a desire to work as part of a team. Students will be assigned to small groups led by a student leader. All student leaders are alumni of the program. Past projects have included Habitat for Humanity, Patroon Land Farm, Schenectady ARC, City Mission, Museum of Innovation and Science and many others. Every year the opportunities change.
Cost to attend: $400.00***. Please note: Registration does not guarantee acceptance into the program. You will receive notification by mail/email about your acceptance. PLEASE PLAN TO CHECK YOUR UNION EMAIL FOR PROGRAM UPDATES AFTER REGISTERING!
***Funding is available! If you would like more information about getting help paying for this program, please contact Aileen Schatz, Director of the First Year Experience
firstyearexperience@union.edu.
If you are accepted, you will be charged for the program unless you withdraw by August 13, 2021.
If you have questions about the Community Experience pre-o program, please contact Janet Sweeney, Director or Community Outreach, Kenney Community Center (518) 388-6609 or
volunteer@union.edu.
Learn more about program specifics here:
union.edu/first-year/community***Attention International Students***
Although this program takes place during your International Orientation, you may still sign up for Community Experience! If you have any questions about the International Orientation schedule, please contact Michelle Pawlowski
pawlowsm@union.edu.
***Attention Athletes***
This program might conflict with try-outs. Please check with your coach before you sign up, please do not sign up if you cannot attend due to try-outs.
