Each January, Lynn University students jumpstart the new year serving their community. 754 students will participate in 37 community service events at 15 local nonprofits through the institution's annual Citizenship Project.
Citizenship Project is a four-week immersive program for first-year students during which they complete service projects around South Florida. Students select an impact project during the fall semester, immersing themselves in civic issues ranging from climate change to homelessness, in preparation for a community service event in January.
This year's Citizenship Project features a total of 22 community partner organizations with a number of new beneficiaries, including Sweet Dream Makers, Guatemalan-Maya Center, Christine's Hope for Kids and Exchange for Change. Popular partners such as Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Gumbo Limbo, Boca Helping Hands, Miracle League, Paint Your Heart Out and Feeding South Florida also participate.
"I always ask our students; 'If you could be a change agent for a cause, what would it be?'," said Anna Krift, professor of international relations and Citizenship Project director. "By connecting their personal interests to local social issues, we foster altruistic thinking and true activism. Our focus is to create global citizens who care about the world around them."
In 2022, Times Higher Education recognized Lynn for meeting many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The activities logged during this year's Citizenship Project connect to 10 SDGs, including climate action, quality education and reduced inequality—highlighting Lynn's commitment to develop the next generation of global stewards.
Launched in 2012, the program encourages conversations on sustainability and social responsibility, while building the foundations for lifelong volunteerism and activism. Lynn students have spent over 53,000 hours supporting local organizations since its inception and will complete approximately 8,000 service hours in the next four weeks.
For more information on Lynn's annual Citizenship Project, visit lynn.edu/jterm.
