Program Overview 

How to Participate: 

1. Attend Orientation: Offered each quarter—join us in person or virtually to learn how it works.
2. Register for Community Pathways: Use your UCSD email to sign up
3.  Complete Waiver and Photo Release Form 
4. Choose a Service Site: Select from a list of pre-approved partners based on your interests.
5. Volunteer Weekly: Commit 2 works per week (minimum 10 hours per quarter).
6. Track Your Hours: Use our tracking form to stay on top of your progress.
7. Reflect and Grow: Complete the reflection prompt at the end of the quarter.
8. Level Up: Progress through our tier system and earn CCR credit and certificates!

Pathways:

Community Pathways offers four adventure pathways based on the types of projects you can pursue. These help guide your service experience while giving you space to explore your interests: 

1. Education: This category includes projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing learning opportunities and supporting the educational development of individuals.
2. Environment: Projects in this category focus on the protection, preservation, and revitalization of natural resources and ecosystems.
3. Public Health: This category encompasses initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of communities.
4. Basic Needs: Basic needs projects address the essential resources required for individuals and families to live a stable and dignified life.

Timeline: 

Testimonials: 

“Working with the John Muir Language Academy has been so rewarding for me. I was able to participate last year as well and seeing the students I work with in 6th grade now and their excitement to see me really solidified how much I want to work with children. I'm applying to graduate school and this experience has helped me make the decision to try and specialize in school age social work. The teachers at the school were great and working with Mrs. Joy has been a top tier experience.” 

“Being able to volunteer at Belmont [Senior Apartment Complex through San Diego Housing Commission] has been a great experience so far where I have truly felt like I have learned a lot about myself and even what I could see myself doing in the future career wise. It has been a transformative experience for me reflective wise and I would hope to continue volunteering here.” 

“Volunteering at Kupanda this quarter was an amazing experience which I'm looking forward to again in the Winter. From the children to the people who work there, I have met many great and fun personalities who made the experience particularly welcoming. Craig and Jaffari let me know my presence was much appreciated and I really felt at home. I was always eager to see the children and I believe they too were excited to see.”

“This experience has solidified my commitment to public service and working in spaces where I can directly support marginalized communities. Long term, I want to advocate for educational equity and policy change. In the short term, I am more focused on developing mentorship skills and being present for youth who need a support figure in their lives.” 

FAQs: 

• Do I need previous volunteering experience? No experience is required! Any necessary training is provided by community partners and the Center for Student Involvement at UC San Diego. 
• Is transportation provided? Yes! Many of our service sites are accessible via the San Diego Blue Line Trolley. For locations not reachable by trolley, UC San Diego subsidizes transportation to offset travel costs.
• How do I track my hours? You'll receive a link to an official hours tracking form once you're registered. You must complete at least 10 hours per quarter (and 30 total if you're working toward your Co-Curricular Record). 
• What’s the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) The CCR is an official UC San Diego transcript supplement that recognizes your out-of-class learning. If you complete at least 30 hours and submit your final reflection, you'll earn CCR validation. You can learn more here: https://experientiallearning.ucsd.edu/ccr/index.html

Interested in Becoming a Partner:

The Center for Student Involvement is looking for San Diego community organizations, schools, and nonprofits, who are interested in elevating their impact by partnering with Community Pathways! Our program offers a unique quarter-long opportunity for students to dive into impactful volunteer work in the San Diego area. 

Join us in fostering a culture of community service and collaboration. By becoming a community partner, you open doors to dedicated student volunteers ready to contribute to your organization's mission weekly. By partnering with us, you can showcase your projects, engage with passionate students, and amplify your community impact. To see if you are a good fit for this program, please review the Community Pathways Guiding Questions

Interested in becoming a Community Pathways community partner? Contact us at csiservice@ucsd.edu.