Looking to connect with fellow students while making a positive impact in the Madison area? Badger Volunteers is an excellent opportunity for students to engage with their local community and gain real-world experience in a field that interests them.
Badger Volunteers is a dynamic semester-long program offered by the Morgridge Center for Public Service, where students can immerse themselves in the Madison community through weekly volunteer work with local organizations. The program strives to foster meaningful connections between community partners and students while emphasizing the importance of sustainability in public service.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, education and public health, Badger Volunteers welcomes students from all majors—including graduate students—providing a unique opportunity to explore various career paths, while contributing to the community in a meaningful way.
Claudia Schwiesow, a junior from Green Bay, WI was involved in the summer 2024 Badger Volunteers program, volunteering at both Allen Centennial Gardens and the Global Spouse Circle through Madison International Partners.
“It gives you an opportunity to dip your toe in a field that you might be interested in, without having much prior knowledge or skills because it’s not an internship,” says Schwiesow. “I didn’t have to apply for the job, but I’m still pretty much doing the same things.”
Participation in Badger Volunteers offers students valuable on-site experience in a specific field and can fulfill volunteer hour requirements for certain majors. However, the program’s semester-long commitment focuses on consistent involvement and developing strong relationships between volunteers and community partners, rather than solely on academic advancement.
Students volunteer in groups of at least two, one of which will be their team leader. Beyond their volunteer sites, participants connect at Morgridge Center-led workshops and social events (often with free food!), creating opportunities to bond with peers and share experiences from different volunteer sites.
Registration for Fall Badger Volunteers is currently open and closes on Friday, Sept. 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Interested in volunteering but concerned about transportation? Don’t let this impede your decision to apply! The Morgridge Center provides FREE transportation to and from volunteer sites. If a volunteer site is more than 35 minutes away by bus, the Morgridge Center provides students with a Union Cab, Lyft or UW–Madison fleet vehicle. All volunteers also have access to Madison’s electric B-Cycles.
Spots are allocated on a first come, first serve basis, so sign up early! Check out the Badger Volunteers page to learn more about the various opportunities offered and potentially claim your spot as a volunteer.