Hiram Service Leaders

Inspired by Hiram College alumnus George Bellamy, who in 1896 founded one of the country's first settlement houses in Cleveland, Ohio, Hiram Service Leaders are a select group of students who serve with local nonprofit agencies and participate in a multi-year student leadership program, all with a focus on ethical awareness, reflection, and action.Students reflect on and advocate for fairness, impartiality, and equality while addressing systematic social and environmental issues and participate intentionally as a citizen in the democratic process, actively engaging in direct service and public policy.

Objectives of a Service Leader

To provide students with opportunities to develop their capacities in the areas of leadership, ethics and civic engagement while benefiting local community service agencies.

The Program’s Elements

Serve with an area nonprofit agency:

Students serve as service leaders at area community partner agencies, recruiting, transporting and helping to facilitate additional student volunteers and interns.
Work study awards or stipends of up to $1,800 a year at hourly wages are provided to eligible students on a selective basis for their work with partner agencies.
Service leaders are able to work up to 10 hours a week.

Service Leader Expectations:

Researching the agency/community partner and social issue being addressed by the service activity and being prepared to explain and share research to other volunteers; what the sites purpose and goals are so you can have a reflective discussion about the work you will be doing together, and be as effective and helpful as possible.
Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher, and maintain judicial standing.
Attendance to all service meetings including any kind of professional development workshops.

Participation in retreats and professional development:

Annual fall service retreats orient Service Leaders and build community.
Students are invited (not required) to participate in an alternative break service trip that impels them to learn about, reflect on, and act to address a root cause of environmental, social and/or economic inequity in a community.
The Office of Community Service supports and supervises Hiram Service Leaders in identifying additional internships and job and scholarship opportunities.

Agencies and Partners:

Brooks House

Brooks House Assisted Living Community was born in 2000 from the desire the Brooks’ family has to help people flourish at their fullest potential, by providing a high quality, hassle free way of life that is cost-effective. Volunteer to help paint nails and play some bingo!

Habitat for Humanity

Volunteer with your local Habitat for Humanity, you can be a part of the change you want to see in your community. We offer several opportunities to build or repair homes with families, in addition tovolunteer work opportunities at your local HabitatReStore.

Hattie Larlham

Hattie Larlham provides health care and social programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Hiram College has a long-standing relationship with Hattie Larlham with various departments, student organizations, and individual students volunteering and interning at their facility in Mantua, OH.

Hiram Farm Living & Learning Community

Hiram Farm Living and Learning Community is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to grow, learn, work, and live in a setting focused on respect and support for individuals and the environment. Hiram College supports the Farm in a variety of ways, from service learning courses, to federal work study students, to collaborations on grant opportunities, strategic planning, and special projects.

King Kennedy Community Center

King Kennedy Community Center is a place where students have the opportunity to tutor school aged children.

Little Village Early Learning Center

Little Village Early Learning Center was established to provide quality, loving care for children ages 18 months through 12 years of age. The staff recognizes the importance of a balanced growth through a variety of creative experiences. Children are encouraged to learn and explore in a supportive, nurturing atmosphere where they can develop into unique, successful individuals.

Hiram Service Leaders