Public service at UNC is an integral component of sustainability, as it seeks to utilize knowledge and resources available at the university to benefit the surrounding community. Many organizations are involved in public service at Carolina; several are listed below.
APPLES
APPLES is a student-led program that sponsors service-learning courses. Students in APPLES courses enrich their learning experience by volunteering 3-5 hours a week with a community partner. APPLES also sponsors service trips for students during breaks and for entering freshmen.
Campus Y
Established in 1859, the Campus Y is a unique student organization dedicated to public service. The Campus Y hosts 18 committees that focus on particular social justice issues ranging from eliminating African poverty to raising awareness about criminal justice.
Center for Public Service
The Carolina Center for Public Service offers classes, internships, travel opportunities, and grants. The center also runs the Public Service Scholars program, in which participants complete a minimum of 300 hours of service, at least one service-learning course, and skills-training workshops. Since it’s inception in 2003, program participants have logged over 165,000 hours of service.
The Carolina Center for Public Service Database contains information about some 870 service projects across the state. Community members, students, employees, and alumni can find out how the university serves communities across the state and how individuals interested in participating can get involved.
Institute for the Environment
One of the main objectives of UNC’s Institute for the Environment is to encourage and support UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and staff in their efforts to assist citizens through an active outreach and public service program.
The Environmental Resource Program (ERP) is housed within the Institute and promotes environmental stewardship and public health through education, research, and community service.
Students in the Institute work with local communities through coursework at field sites and in interdisciplinary Capstone courses.
The Institute also creates environmental policy papers – factual, impartial briefings about critical environmental issues. These policy papers are issued each fall and spring as a public service.