Overview
Through Cardinal Service, Stanford offers you a wide variety of public and community service opportunities, ranging from on-campus courses to off-campus research to community-based leadership projects. Students pursuing any course of study can find opportunities to serve and many offer academic credit.
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Haas Center for Public Service
The Haas Center for Public Service inspires Stanford University to realize a just and sustainable world through service, scholarship, and community partnerships. It is the hub of Cardinal Service, a university-wide initiative to elevate and expand service as a distinctive feature of a Stanford education.
Cardinal Courses
Cardinal Courses are courses that apply classroom knowledge to address real-world societal problems. Some provide direct service to local schools, nonprofit organizations and government agencies, while others allow students already engaged in service to enhance the effectiveness of their service. Courses are also offered that introduce specific settings, a theoretical framework, and academic skills needed to prepare for public service fieldwork and internships.
Cardinal Quarter
A Cardinal Quarter is a full-time summer or quarter-long service opportunity to build knowledge, skills, and networks while making meaningful contributions to communities locally, nationally, and across the globe. Students can receive Stanford support for either prearranged placements or self-designed fellowship opportunities.
Community-Based Research Fellows Program
Cardinal Commitment
Make and sustain a significant service commitment as part of your Stanford experience. Join one of more than 125 student-led service organizations or participate in one of Stanford's innovative service programs. The Haas Center sponsors leadership training, grants, workshops, and awards for student organization and service leadership.
Other Campus Programs
Alternative Spring Break
The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) Program exposes students to complex social and cultural issues through direct service, experiential learning, group discussion and individual reflection. The vision is to transform students into advocates of social change on issues affecting our communities.
Stanford in Washington
Students serve as interns in institutions and agencies located in Washington, DC including the Senate, the House of Representatives the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Smithsonian Institution among others.
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
Stanford students have the option of participating in ROTC through cross-enrollment agreements with three neighboring universities. Details on these programs as well as the Haas Center Military Service as Public Service Project are available on our ROTC page.
