More than 55 nonprofit and government organizations will recruit students at Sonoma State University's annual Service and Internship Fair September 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Salazar Plaza. The fair provides community organizations the opportunity to get students involved with their work and gives students a chance to explore opportunities for meaningful internships and community service opportunities.
Groups like the United Way of the Wine Country, American Red Cross, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, Positive Images and many others will be on hand to recruit students for volunteer work and internships. Many academic classes and programs at Sonoma State require volunteer hours or internship credits.
"Students the opportunity to connect directly with community partners," says Merith Weisman, coordinator of Sonoma State's Center for Community Engagement and organizer of the event. "It's different facing people one-on-one than responding to an email. Making that connection in person can make all the difference."
One nonprofit recruiting at the event is Farmster, a nonprofit founded by a group of recent SSU alumni. The group is developing and operating a five-acre community farm at Sonoma Mountain Village, just a few miles from campus. "We see this event as a great opportunity to take steps to pursue our mission to bring youth back into agriculture," says Farmster Program Coordinator Jenna Topper.
Students can register for internship credits as late as September 19, though some departments may have earlier deadlines. For more information visit the Center for Community Engagement.