Student Life Service Opportunities
In fulfillment of the university's mission, "education for citizenship," Ohio State students have numerous opportunities to connect with communities, engage in social justice issues and develop skills for active citizenship. The Office of Student Life offers a variety of programs designed to help students engage at a local, national and global level.
Pay It Forward
Pay It Forward is a student cohort within the Office of Student Life, made up of 22 students on six different committees. Everyone has their own unique job to help fulfill the following mission, vision and goals.
Pay It Forward provides Ohio State students with regular, easily-accessible service opportunities on campus and in the Columbus community. Working to help students pursue their passions within service, Pay It Forward educates and exposes students to avenues of civic engagement in a variety of areas. Fueled by hope and positivity, Pay It Forward allows students to match a personal cause to promote change within the community.
To get involved, visit the Student Activities website.
Community Commitment
Since 1997, Buckeyes have started the new school year by coming together to serve the Columbus community during Community Commitment. After meeting in the Ohio Union, students travel to one of many agencies across Columbus where they serve alongside one another. Past projects have included working at COSI, local food pantries, the Columbus Zoo and at a variety of other nonprofit agencies.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
Students can join more than 1,000 Buckeyes in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the beginning of spring semester for MLK Jr. Day of Service. Students will connect with fellow Buckeyes and engage in service with the greater Columbus community.
Spring Into Service
Over 200 Buckeyes serve at 15 local Columbus nonprofits for a day of service geared towards environmental stewardship and sustainability every spring semester. Students can connect with fellow Buckeyes and engage in service with the greater Columbus community.
University District Clean Ups
Student Life Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement hosts several University District Clean-Up events throughout the semester. These events bring together students and community members with the goal of making our community cleaner, elevating the sense of pride we have in the Ohio State community, and positively impacting safety in the community. Click here to learn more.
Student Philanthropy
Student Life Student Philanthropy supports Buckeyes as they learn, grown and think about what it means to truly give back. The department supports a variety of programs, events and student groups including: