Community Engagement
When students engage in community-based volunteering and service projects, they participate in meaningful experiences that teach civic responsibility and strengthen our global communities.
2.5k
On average, more than 2,500 students perform community service locally, nationally, and internationally.
$500k
The economic value of the volunteer hours performed by RIT students on average.
$150k
On average, RIT students donate more than $150,000 to community non-profits and charitable organizations.
Key Initiatives
Connect with communities around the world and work to co-create change by participating in an Alternative Break trip.
Into the ROC connects RIT students with unique Places, diverse People, and powerful Possibilities for civic engagement within the greater Rochester community. Through Into the ROC programs, students gain a deeper understanding of local opportunities and assets, empowering them to contribute meaningfully throughout their time in Rochester.
Each year, hundreds of RIT students, faculty, and staff support the local community through on-campus service projects like the Hunger Project and the Framing Frenzy. As of 2025, RIT has packaged over 500,000 meals for the local community with the Hunger Project and Connect and Serve, and have built the frames for 12 homes with Habitat for Humanity at the Framing Frenzy.
The RIT FoodShare Center was established in 2015 with two simple goals: to reduce food waste on campus and to provide RIT community members with access to safe and nutritious food. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to make use of and support this resource.
Community Service Fairs
The Community Service Fairs are offered at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters and offer students an opportunity to interact with representatives from more than 30 local nonprofit organizations.
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