May 1, 2026:  Fresno State Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning

 

One of the most rewarding things in life is giving back. Fresno State embraces community service and is a leader in the CSU and in Central California, providing more than a million hours of service each year. The Fresno State Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is the central hub for campus community service. Located in the University Student Union in Room 310, the Richter Center is a powerhouse of service engagement and a pride point for the university. Students have access to a wide range of service opportunities to gain experience and give back. Students can get involved through volunteering, service-learning, internships, paid programs, leadership development opportunities, and more.

 

Service-learning is the most widely used pathway for students. It is built into coursework through more than 170 class sections offered each year. Service-learning provides hands-on experience, builds career skills, promotes personal growth, and makes a real impact on the community.

 

The next most popular way students get involved is through general volunteering and campus-wide service events. Single-day events include Spring into Service, Make A Difference Day, Kid’s Day, Fresno State Blood Drives, and more. There are ongoing volunteer opportunities in areas like tutoring and mentoring, environmental service, animal care, health and human services, and food security. Group service projects include park clean-ups, food sorting, donation drives, and youth program support. These opportunities are easy to access, provide networking experiences, and allow students to make an immediate impact.

 

There are structured programs that offer students opportunities like College Corps, ENP Reads, AIMS STEM tutoring, and more. These are high-impact opportunities that often require applications, may include stipends, and have limited availability.

 

The Richter Center also offers leadership roles, including the Richter Center Student Leaders (RCSL), Student Ambassadors, Program Leaders, Service-Learning Peer Mentors, and Event Coordinators and Interns. These experiences help students develop leadership skills, create impact, and build valuable experience.

 

Students can also pursue internships through the Richter Center. Opportunities are available in areas like direct service (education, health, food access), program and operations support, and outreach and engagement. These internships focus on community impact and professional skill-building, giving students experience that is both career-relevant and service-oriented.

 

Another popular program offered by the Richter Center is “Alternative Breaks,” which give students the opportunity to complete service hours during semester breaks. Students can choose from a variety of organizations and service opportunities in the community, including the Central California Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity Fresno County, Ronald McDonald House Charities, San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust, and the Shinzen Friendship Garden, among many others.

 

There are countless other service opportunities available to Fresno State students through the Richter Center’s resource page.

 

To learn more about service opportunities on campus and in the community, the Richter Center hosts a biannual Community Service Opportunities Fair. The event is designed to give students an opportunity to meet Richter Center staff, meet with representatives from local community benefit organizations, and connect with other students who are already involved.

 

There is so much more great information about the Richter Center—I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface.  There are even more programs, more opportunities to get involved, and even awards that recognize students and faculty each year! The Richter Center is an amazing resource for students and a hub for involvement, community service, and career development opportunities. Do yourself a favor and get involved—you won’t regret it!

 

For more information on how to get involved and explore available programs and events, visit the Richter Center website here.