Top 6 reasons to apply to the Students in Community program:
1. Meaningfully connects with your academic interests
2. Builds community with other students and people throughout the region
3. Encourages creative contributions and leadership development
4. Helps you explore new places in Whatcom County and beyond
5. Supports you through all 4+ years at WWU
6. Pays you for your commute time!
“Students in Community has made me feel so much more connected to Bellingham and that I'm finally part of the community.”
Want to learn more about the program?
The Students in Community program removes barriers to engagement by providing paid opportunities for students to participate in place-based community collaboration. Through competitive wages, including paid commute time and field experiences, students can explore Whatcom County while building lasting connections between WWU and local communities.
Aligned with WWU’s Strategic Plan Goal #2, this program supports student retention and success by fostering a community of practice where students take on roles as practitioners, mentors, and engaged community members. Participants actively contribute to sustainable partnerships with community hosts and Community Engagement Fellows, strengthening WWU’s commitment to long-term, meaningful collaboration.
Beyond traditional service learning, Students in Community creates a structured, co-created place-based experience that integrates students into ongoing efforts around community sustainability, health equity, well-being, and food security. Students lead and support initiatives both on campus and in the broader community, ensuring that engagement is not just a one-time experience but an integral part of their education.
This program is designed to support students throughout their entire time at WWU. As long as they remain in good standing and eligible for work-study, students can continue deepening their experience, building leadership skills, and expanding their impact. By prioritizing access, retention, and sustained engagement, Students in Community fosters a generation of students who are deeply connected to place, committed to community, and prepared to make a lasting difference.
Active member website:
Requirements:
“I think that combining my studies in farming to the work I do alongside school has given me direct experience that has solidified what I've learned in class. I also have made great, long-lasting friends [...]”
Minimum requirements:
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WWU student
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Accepted a federal work study award
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Attend Quarterly gatherings
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Be curious about the community needs and the role the Community Host’s organization plays in the larger community.
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Join the Center for Community Learning co-hosted events.
*Some community partners may have additional requirements, such as:
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Ability to carry and move 20 lbs.
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Interest in working with children.
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Ability to work outside, in all weather, on uneven ground.
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Must pass a background check
“Through my work, I met community members that I run into regularly out and about. These connections supported me in integrating into this community.”