Service and Civic Engagement Programs

Rider Bonner Community Scholars serve in small teams with several primary community partners to address issues of hunger, homelessness, adult literacy and at-risk youth in the Trenton area. Students accepted into the program are assigned to one primary site for the academic year based on their preferences, class schedule, and each agency’s needs. Some of our primary community partners include:

• The English School
• El Centro After-School Mentoring Program
• HomeFront Family Preservation Center & Joy, Hopes & Dreams Program
• Every Child Valued
• Get Set After School Program
• Rivera Community School

Visit the Rider Bonner page for more information and to apply.

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Meeting the basic needs of food and housing security is a multidimensional challenge for communities across the country and one that many college students also face. Today expenses other than tuition can account for more than 60 percent of the total cost of attending a college or university. Over the past four decades, the cost of living for college students has increased by over 80 percent.

Rider University is one of over 140 colleges in 41 states who are part of the national Swipe Out Hunger initiative, a program committed to ending college student hunger. During the 2020-21 academic year Swipe out Hunger schools provided over 500,000 to college students across the nation. In addition to providing access to meals students participating in the Broncs Against Hunger program will receive information about additional resources available on Rider’s campus and in the surrounding community including housing assistance, books, finding employment, professional attire for work & internships, transportation, utilities, etc.

For more information, download Broncs Against Hunger (PDF).

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Experiential learning at Rider offers an opportunity to combine academic interests, career goals and personal interests to create an unforgettable, meaningful education that is unique for each student. Community Service Reflection Sessions allow individuals to think about their personal journey as they seek to connect the lessons of the service to the classroom and the real world. 

Submit your hours on BroncNation! Please scroll down to the section labeled “Submitting Hours for Community Service.”

End Hunger Advocates will engage in an exciting new hybrid service learning experience that combines online learning with action in local communities. The online Hunger Academy through the Congressional Center on Hunger allows students to dive into the basics of hunger in the U.S., including the causes of hunger, anti-hunger policy, and effective advocacy. Live discussions with other End Hunger Advocates at Rider will allow students to share insights, ideas, and get connected with others. Join today so we can end hunger by 2030.

• Participate in online Hunger Academy course
• Engage in discussions with other Rider End Hunger Advocates
• Serve with or create a project for a local Hunger serving organization (Meals on Wheels, Rider Resource Pantry, Trenton Area Soup, Kitchen, Arm in Arm, Loaves & Fishes, etc)

The Friendly Visitor Program provides companionship and a meaningful friendship to a homebound citizen in Mercer County. Rider students are matched with a homebound senior based on personality/interests and scheduling needs. This program is great for individuals who possess the gift of gab and would love to spend some free time chatting on the phone with a person who needs a friend. Just a simple conversation can make all the difference to a lonely person. Resources for guiding weekly discussions and opportunities to share with other students are provided. Students can also participate in an Oral History project to document the life of their new senior friend.

• Participate in online Orientation and bi weekly check.
• Schedule and conduct weekly phone “visits” with your senior friend.
• Assist with completion of program assessment. ·

Learn More and Sign up! (PDF)

Each year Rider sponsors two holiday parties for local children participating in after school programs. The Monster Mash is held on a Friday close to Halloween. Children Trick or Treat at offices on campus and then participate in a fun fall festival with games and activities lead by Rider students. The Holiday Extravaganza is held on the last Friday of classes in December and celebrates all of the winter holidays (Christmas, Chanukah, & Kwanza) through games and crafts facilitated by Rider students. 

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual program held in November, where people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. Participating groups spend the week holding a series of educational, service, fundraising, and advocacy events.

Each year the Office of Service and Civic Engagement partners with the Center for International Education to offer an International Service Learning Program. Students who enjoy service learn about different cultures while exploring how other countries address many of the same social issues we experience in the United States. Three pre trip information sessions provide students background information about the country, its politics, and religions to prepare students for this immersive experience. Programs run approximately 10 days and include days of service with a local organization and excursions to local attractions and historical sites.

Previous Service Learning Programs have taken place in:

• Belize
• Costa Rica
• Morocco
• Greece
• Thailand
• Peru

For information about upcoming programs visit BroncNation

It is the mission of Meals on Wheels to assist local seniors and homebound adults in maintaining independence, dignity, health & well-being by providing comprehensive nutrition services and helping ease social isolation. There has never been a time more critical to make a difference than right now and we need your help!

Every day Gourmet Dining prepares hot and cold meals in Daly Dining Hall for distribution by Meals on Wheels of Mercer County. Volunteers are needed to assist with preparation, packing, and clean up.

Volunteer shifts available:

• 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Volunteers: 

• Please wear close toed shoes and bring a hair tie if you have long hair (no crop tops please)
• When you arrive at Daly Dining Hall inform the Gourmet staff member that you are a MOW volunteer
• Proceed to the Teaching Kitchen
• Wear a hair net at all times
• Wash hands at the beginning and conclusion of every shift

Once you sign up:

You will receive a confirmation email that includes the time(s) that you have chosen. About a week before your shift, you will receive a reminder email with detailed instructions on where to report. If you have to cancel 7 days or less in advance please remove your spot from the sign up page and notify nutrition@rider.edu so that we can ensure there is adequate staffing. Please sign in at the start of each shift. The sign in sheet is our way of tracking attendance.

Rider University’s annual Relay for Life event brings together students, faculty, and  staff to raise money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer.This all-night (12 hour) fundraiser features many activities including: a survivor/caregiver dinner, games, competitions, various ceremonies, a survivor lap, and a Luminaria Ceremony to honor all those who have lost their battle to cancer. Relay is an opportunity to honor cancer survivors,  promote and educate about cancer risks and prevention, and raise money to help find a cure.

How to support Relay for Life:

• Sign up as an individual participant
• Join/create a team
• Join the Rider University Relay for Life Committee
• Simply donate to the cause at www.relayforlife.org/rideruniversitynj

Rider Cares Days occur once a month, often in collaboration with other University and community organizations and in connection with National Days of Service. Students sign up on Bronc Nation to get details about transportation and other requirements.

Past Rider Cares Days have included:

• 9/11 Day of Service
• Beach Sweeps
• Make A Difference Day
• Community Clean Ups
• Martin Luther King Day of Service
• Read Across America Day
• YMCA Healthy Kids Day
• Global Youth Service Day

The pantry is a community initiative intended to combat food insecurity and eliminate barriers to student success. The pantry offers food, clothing, hygiene products, feminine products, & school supplies.

Student Volunteers are needed! 

Students interested in becoming a Pantry Volunteer should email pantry@rider.edu to learn about available opportunities.

Volunteer duties include but are not limited to:

• Assure that students sign into the pantry
• Track donations
• Collect feedback about items of interest, items that need to be replenished, etc.
• Take inventory & restock the shelves
• Check expiration dates of food items

The purpose of Rider Votes is to:

• Register Rider students to vote;
• Educate Rider students about the importance of voting, as well as how to identify candidates that match their values; and
• Encourage Rider students to vote on Election Day.

Students participating in Rider Votes assist in registering and educating fellow students about voting, elections, and every citizens role in our democracy.