UCLA Volunteer Center

VOLUNTEERING TO SERVE THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Through the UCLA Volunteer Center, Bruins have the chance to embody one of UCLA’s True Bruin values: service.

The mission of the Center is to inspire and engage the near half-million members of the extended UCLA family, as well as the community at large, to create social change. The Center strives to engage volunteers throughout the academic year–and, ideally, to develop a life-long passion for civic service.

Since its founding in 2009, Volunteer Center staff and volunteers have partnered with local organizations and nonprofits to support the city in a multitude of ways. For example, volunteers serve Thanksgiving meals to veterans and low-income or homeless residents at an annual community dinner and celebration. Another volunteer opportunity is Project Students for Progress in Employee Language Learning (or SPELL), which pairs student volunteers with UCLA staff such as custodians, housekeeping and foodservice to provide training in English as a Second Language and communications skills.

The flagship Volunteer Day event kicks off the academic year with more than 5,000 Bruins serving at sites across Los Angeles. Volunteers provide mentorship and maintenance support at schools, parks, shelters and food banks across the Los Angeles community. The event provides new students with the opportunity to work in the community at the very beginning of their UCLA experience.

All of the Volunteer Center events give Bruins a way to give back to the local community. Your gift to the Volunteer Center provides financial support to the Center and to support programs, such as Project SPELL and Volunteer Day. Your gift helps support True Bruin values and can help make a difference in the community.