Community Involvement

Sarah Lawrence College serves as a bridge between the local communities in Westchester County, specifically the town of Bronxville and the city of Yonkers, as well as New York City. Through partnerships with organizations in these local communities, Sarah Lawrence students have opportunities to work with people in neighborhoods lying on various points of the economic, cultural and social spectrum. Students are able to affect change and enhance their research but also experience a meaningful transformation though their work of advocating for and with the community.

The Office of Community Partnerships and Service Learning act as a clearinghouse and facilitator for students and faculty interested in working for social change. Service learning course curriculum have been developed with faculty and ask students to immerse themselves in the local communities through work such as: teaching English, leading writing workshops with prison inmates, working with children, union organizing, political lobbying, community organizing, mentoring, literacy programs, domestic violence programs, community gardens, environmental protection and education and more.

Students receive personalized assistance in finding placements relating to academic work and co-curricular interests. They need not be enrolled in a course in order to apply and receive placement for opportunities to work for social justice. The Office of Community Partnerships believes that any student, faculty or friend who wants to help give others an opportunity for their voice to be heard will find a placement.