A new program is giving students the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and contribute to service projects guided by the needs of the local community.
The Fordham Volunteer Corps, launched this fall by the University’s External Affairs division, is a network of students who volunteer with Fordham’s community partners. The corps supports the true needs of organizations that Fordham has cultivated relationships with over the years, according to Amanda Caputo, assistant director for community affairs.
“We want to be responsive to the amazing work these groups are already doing and give them the capacity to continue doing more,” said Caputo.
Real Projects with Real Impact
Since its soft launch in mid-September, students have participated in a range of projects. One group assisted with NYC Parks’ Tree Count 2025, where they learned to assess tree health as part of the city’s conservation efforts. Another helped paint a “Community Energy Mural” with local artist Tijay Mohammad, which focuses on themes of environmental justice and will ultimately be installed in the Bronx to raise awareness about decarbonization efforts. After the partial collapse of a Mott Haven public housing building earlier this month, students partnered with the Open Hand Association to distribute food to affected residents.
According to Surey Miranda-Alarcon, assistant vice president for community affairs, the corps fills a gap for these students, many of whom fall in love with volunteering during Urban Plunge or through classes at the Center for Community Engaged Learning. Once those time-limited programs end, they want to stay engaged, she said.
“We want this to be a seamless opportunity for those students to stay engaged with the community throughout their time at Fordham,” said Miranda-Alarcon.
‘They Keep Showing Up’
The goal of the corps is to help students build lasting relationships with local groups that can evolve with the community’s needs, Caputo said. That means stepping into projects that aren’t always perfectly mapped out—and learning how to adapt, listen, and work together toward a common goal.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, Caputo said. In its first month, about 230 students signed up to receive notifications about volunteer opportunities through the corps.
“Our students want to connect, learn, and make a difference,” Caputo said. “And they keep showing up.”
Students interested in getting involved in the Fordham Volunteer Corps can reach out to [email protected].
