Community Service

Every year since 2010, Grand View has been named to Presidential Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for meaningful service that achieves measurable results in the community. 

At Grand View we provide students with opportunities for service that enhance learning and the growth of the whole person. Service to others is not only an investment in the success of others, but is also an investment in one’s self. Meaningful service is connected with academic goals using partnerships between the university and community agencies. Educational skills are reinforced while students engage in work that contributes to the community agency and the larger society. The skills, experiences, and perspectives gained from community service are reaped many times over by those who volunteer their time and talent. We look forward to working with you in these rewarding activities.

Service Learning Opportunities

Trips are offered during spring break. As an example, for several years students traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi, to work on reconstruction projects needed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The projects were assigned through ELCA associations working in the area. Before leaving, students were trained in basic construction skills like using a drill, hammer, and paintbrush. The trips were partially funded by the students and supplemented by fundraising efforts that the students were expected to assist with.

Iowa College AmeriCorps Program

The Iowa College AmeriCorps Program was created to increase levels of volunteerism among college students in Iowa as part of their academic experience, while engaging them in their local campus community. Members help meet the greatest needs in their local campus community by volunteering 300 hours of service in a year and in return, receive a $1,000 educational award to put towards their education.

Viking Volunteers

Viking Volunteers is a student organization devoted to serving the Des Moines community. Students involved in Viking Volunteers are able to devote as much time as they would like to volunteer work in the community. Grand View students have volunteered for events at Living History Farms, The State Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity, Lutheran Social Services, The Refugee Center, Festival of Trees, and The Aids Project of Central Iowa. Students involved in Viking Volunteers have a passion for serving others. 
 
For more information on getting involved or the resources we provide for community service and service learning, please contact Heidi Pries, Director of Student Involvement and New Student Programs, at (515) 263-2843.