Bridgewater College offices will be closed starting at noon on Friday, December 20 through Wednesday, January 1 for the holiday season. Campus offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 2.

For those wishing to make a contribution to the College in this tax year, gifts can be made at bridgewater.edu/give or by mail to Bridgewater College, Box 33, 402 East College Street, Bridgewater VA 22812. Credit card gifts must be completed on or before December 31, 2024, to be counted as a 2024 gift. Checks must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2024. Please call 540-828-5448 with any questions, and we will return your call as soon as possible.

For any campus-related emergencies during the break, please call campus police and safety at 540-578-0652. Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season!
Jackie Lamas Community Garden
Home Academics Center for Engaged Learning Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Connect with the local community

The Office of Community Engagement is the central point of contact for community engagement and service-learning programs across campus.  The office provides BC students and faculty with opportunities to get connected to the local community through volunteer work, service-learning projects and internships.

Greenhouse on the Go, a mobile greenhouse that educates children about gardening.

The Office:

  • Serves as a resource for students and faculty who are interested in community-based projects
  • Provides resources for faculty on teaching service-learning courses
  • Provides opportunities for community-based partnerships
Students working with Habitat for Humanity

As a BC student, the Office will provide opportunities for you to:

  • Apply what you are learning in the classroom out in the community
  • Be an intern with the Center for a semester
  • Join the Community Engagement Advisory Board
Group volunteering at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

Why volunteer

  • It connects you with the opportunity to explore and live out your civic responsibilities and enhance your values and beliefs.
  • You can provide valuable human resources to local non‑profit organizations, as well as building your network for future jobs.
  • You can strengthen your skills in communication, collaboration and leadership, which are essential in today’s job market.
  • Volunteering helps all of us become better citizens, who are connected to our communities and productive in our careers.

BC students have volunteered with organizations including:

  • Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
  • Bridgewater Retirement Community
  • Cat’s Cradle
  • Explore More Discovery Museum (Harrisonburg children’s museum)
  • The Free Clinic
  • Sentara RMH Medical Center
  • United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
  • VPM (Virginia public media, including NPR and PBS stations)
  • The Wildlife Center of Virginia

Questions? Contact us!

CONTACT:
Benjamin Erickson
Director of Community Engagement
540-828-5773 | berickso@bridgewater.edu