We advance the educational objectives of the university by encouraging engagement between students and the local region.
Upstate Institute Summer Field School
Our summer field school allows students to remain in the region over the summer to work with community organizations on research projects in a variety of sectors. The work these students do furthers their education and gives them real-world experience, while simultaneously providing community partners with beneficial services to strengthen the region. Read more about the Field School.
Community Based Work Study
The Upstate Institute and Max Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE) have three openings for community-based, work-study fellowships for the 2019-2020 academic year. Interested students should submit their applications as soon as possible through the Student Employment section on the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Portal. Community Fellows will work with a local not-for-profit or municipal office on a project or series of projects that have been identified as critical to the mission of the organization. Students will provide a variety of services to these organizations, which might include planning and hosting special events, collecting data, working with clients, organizing archives, participating in program development, and writing or researching grants or promotional material. Through this experience, students will complete independent work that provides a community benefit and will develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing the community, along with a strong appreciation for what the Hamilton community has to offer.
These positions require applicants to serve as ambassadors to the community on behalf of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Students should be professional, personable and reliable, with strong communication and computer skills. Students will be involved in various aspects of programming and event planning for these organizations. The student will assist with marketing and social media, as well as various administrative tasks.
Funding for Student Research in Upstate New York
We support engagement in the community within the framework of an academic course in a variety of ways, including providing funding for students doing research in the Upstate New York region. Read more about Upstate Research.
Consumer Bankruptcy Law Project
Students can gain legal experience as undergraduates by working with individuals facing significant debt from the loss of job, medical costs, or the actions of an abusive ex-spouse. Students assist low-income clients with the compilation of their initial Chapter 7 bankruptcy paperwork. Read more about the Bankruptcy Law Project.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
The VITA program trains students to assist others with the filing of personal income tax returns. Students then put their training to work assisting local low-income families with the filing of their tax returns. Contact the Economics department for information about the VITA program.
Finding Money for Social Change
Successful nonprofits have one thing in common: talented people with the skills to secure funding. We offer a course to juniors and seniors to learn how to search for and identify potential funding sources, plan a program and develop a budget, and prepare a customized proposal with a local community-based organization. Read more about the grant-writing course.