Community Partnerships
We strive to develop truly collaborative relationships with our Community Partners because our Partners are the experts on the needs of our community. As we connect students with Community Partners, we work to develop opportunities that are mutually beneficial to both students and the community. Through Community Partnerships, our students are able to be a part of important and meaningful work while helping to build capacity in local organizations.
The Center for Community Engagement can assist Partners in developing and filling internship positions, answering the call for volunteers, and educating organization management to maximize the good work they do in the community. Our Partners have access to several capacity-building and networking programs throughout the year, including the Non-Profit Leadership Summit and the Community Partner Breakfast.
Student's Work with Partners
Our mission is "student learning through community impact".
Our students work with Community Partners through Internships and Community Engaged Learning Programs. By collaborating with Community Partners, we are able to connect students with work that is meaningful to the people around them as they contribute to addressing major issues in the community.
Our Community Partners
We see our partners as co-educators of students. We value the knowledge, resources, and time our partners share with our students, and enjoy the opportunity to develop programs to help our Partners thrive in their work.
How to Become a Community Partner
If you are interested in becoming a Community Partner with Stetson University, please fill out the Partner Application and our Coordinator of Community Impact will contact you.
Partners Events
Community Partner Breakfast - Our Community Partner Breakfast is held annually at the beginning of the academic year, giving Partners an opportunity to gather over breakfast and connect with each other. This annual listening event gives us an opportunity to hear from partners about their most pressing issues and provides a space for relationship-building and shared planning.
Global Citizenship Fair - In conjunction with Stetson’s Values Day, GCF provides community organizations with a platform to highlight their mission, showcase their impact, and connect with students about available volunteer and internship opportunities. With over 500 students attending annually, this event offers an opportunity for organizations to engage with a large number of students in a single, high-visibility setting.
Sweet Spot Awards Luncheon - At the end of the academic year, we host our Annual Awards Luncheon, recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments that community partners, students, faculty and staff have achieved throughout the year.
Bonner Speed Dating - The Bonner Speed Dating event is held at the beginning of the Academic Year during New Bonner Orientation. It allows our newest Bonner Program Students to explore possible Community Partner internship opportunities.
Non-Profit Leadership Summit - NPLS has been held annually since 2022. This day-long workshop is designed to strengthen leadership skills, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for creating meaningful community impact. Each year, the summit centers around a specific theme, such as strategic planning or fundraising, with presentations and workshops led by experienced community leaders and subject matter experts. The event emphasizes hands-on, practical learning to ensure participants leave with actionable tools and insights they can immediately apply.
Non-Profit Leadership Cohort Series - NPLC is an extension of the NPLS. This professional development initiative is designed to enhance the leadership, strategy, and operational capacity of local nonprofit organizations. This virtual, cohort-based series is intentionally structured to minimize barriers to participation while maximizing impact. The program offers focused, practical training through four thematic modules, each running for six consecutive weeks and addressing a key area of nonprofit success: Governance and Leadership, Marketing and Partnerships, Finance and Program Design, and Fundraising and Grant Writing.
Community Conversations - These facilitated dialogues bring together community stakeholders for meaningful, peer-led discussions on a variety of topics. Each session focuses on a different theme, ranging from skill-building workshops on administrative practices to deep dives into specific social issue areas. Designed to foster collaboration, learning, and shared insight, these conversations are led by members of the CCE team or guest facilitators with specialized knowledge, depending on the topic. This flexible, inclusive format creates space for open dialogue, professional development, and relationship-building across campus and community. Community Conversations are held on the last Wednesday of every other month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Lee's Garage.