How do you help make the world a better place?
Some MIT students volunteer to teach seniors to use digital devices or spend afternoons working at the food bank. Others explore their entrepreneurial talents and launch social ventures like community solar energy, or develop and test new technologies, such as Braille devices. “Coming to MIT, you want to make a change, you have this vision,” says MIT senior Jialin Shi.
Working wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind is at the core of the MIT mission, and students arrive on campus with the ability and the drive to change the world for the better. The Priscilla King Gray Public Service Center (PKG Center) helps MIT students explore their interests in social change and prepares them to be effective in a range of arenas. The PKG Center offers programs, advice, logistical support, and funding to help students achieve meaningful and effective change in the world. “MIT students are busy looking for practical applications for great big ideas, and this is just a natural place for public service to get started,” says Priscilla King Gray, co-founder and former first lady of MIT.
MIT’s institute-wide initiative — Together in Service — is one way students, staff, faculty, and alumni to get to know the PKG Center and work with the local community. For example, as part of the upcoming Together in Service CityDays on April 18, students can join MIT peers in a one-day volunteering opportunity with community organizations in the Greater Boston area. Opportunities include working out with InnerCity Weightlifting to support efforts to reduce local youth violence; helping to prepare meals for local residents with chronic illnesses at Community Servings; or supporting the youth program at the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House.
Individuals can learn more about volunteering opportunities at MIT on the PKG Center website.
Submitted by: PKG Center | Video by: PKG Center | 4 min, 57 sec
