Community Engagement | Springfield College
Springfield College staff stand with children on the steps, holding out baseball gloves that were just donated.
Community Engagement

The Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement promotes diversity and inclusion among all constituents of the College and connects and promotes the college's resources to our neighbors through partnerships as well as events, programming, and various learning opportunities. 

Open Pantry Food Distribution – Members of the Springfield College community partnered with Open Pantry Community Services to distribute nutritious food boxes to community members on Oct. 17 and Oct. 24. Volunteers from Springfield College and Open Pantry, led by the Center for Service and Leadership, Office of Inclusion and Community Engagement, and Springfield College Police, distributed the boxes. Alumni, student-athletes, staff, faculty, and multiple student-led clubs on the Campus participated in the volunteer opportunity. 

Block Party on the Hill – Since 2004, Springfield College has hosted the Block Party on the Hill, partnering with  Old Hill and Upper Hill Neighborhood Councils, and Wayfinders in hosting this event. More than 1,000 neighbors attend the celebration, which was moved to William N. DeBerry Elementary School in 2016. Individuals are treated to food, music, dancing, face-painting and summertime fun! Information about housing, health, education, and community services are distributed by vendors at our resource fair.

Candaras Davison Center for Inclusion – Through a partnership with the Center for Human Development, the center fills a void in the community by offering much-needed services to an underserved population. At the center, deaf individuals with intellectual disabilities will engage in services, socialization, employment, recreation, and leisure activities.

Learn more about the opening and naming

Project SEARCH – Springfield College has collaborated with New England Business Associates to introduce the first cohort of interns participating in the community’s Project SEARCH program. The cohort was introduced on the campus in August 2018. Springfield College is the first college or university in Western Mass. to lead the Project SEARCH program.

Learn more about Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH 2021

Summer Youth Employment Program –

Applications are now closed.

Through the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement, the Summer Youth Employment Program provides Springfield youth, 16 years of age or older*, with 20 hours per week of summer employment and vocational experience on campus. Participants work primarily in facilities and grounds, and develop workplace skills and competencies while working side by side with positive student and adult role models and enjoying the beautiful campus environment. 

*Due to Massachusetts laws regulating minors’ work hours and occupational restrictions, applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

Programs for Youth in the Community – The Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement participates in and hosts several programs that benefit youth in the Springfield community and beyond. For the third year, Springfield College hosted the Girls on the Run of Western Massachusetts 5k Celebration. Over winter break, we invite students from nearby elementary schools to a collegiate basketball game, and in spring 2018 we hosted the Record Breakers Basketball Clinic for middle school girls interested in basketball as part of our Sports and Social Justice Symposium. We also team up with MLB PLAY BALL to host events for local youth.