America Reads is a program that places Dickinson students in the Carlisle community elementary schools and other local non-profit organizations (such as public libraries and preschools) to tutor young students in literacy. The program is federally funded and part of the national initiative to ensure that America 's children will be able to read and write by age eight. Research demonstrates that if students cannot read well by the end of third grade, their chances for success are significantly diminished, and they have a greater likelihood of dropping out or engaging in delinquent behavior. Dickinson students help their mentees gain the necessary literacy skills by reading stories, listening to their students read, giving spelling quizzes, and most importantly encouraging kids to acquire a love of reading.
amreads@dickinson.edu

This program is a mentoring program that works closely with the national program's branch in Carlisle. Members are paired with a "little": a local elementary aged student. The program is on-site, meaning bigs visit with their little once a week at the little's school during lunch or recess. Group activities are organized monthly and there are bi-weekly all big meetings to share stories, progress, and problems. The program is a great way to get involved in the community and perfect for people who like children!
big@dickinson.edu

The Bonner Leaders Program is a sub-program of the national Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation of Princeton, NJ. At Dickinson , it is supported by the Office of Religious Life and Community Services. Bonner Leaders serve at local agencies, applying the education they have learned in the classroom in a practical way in the community. They are leaders who commit to a serious partnership and level of responsibility to their host organization, and build bridges between the Carlisle community and the Dickinson campus by promoting change in their fields of interest.
bonner@dickinson.edu

CARES was founded on the basis of catering to elementary school children who are recent immigrants to the United States . The program runs once a week for two hours. During these two hours, the children are paired with a mentor who lends support during the homework and life skills hour. CARES also plans field trips with the mentors and mentees to create trust and a stronger bond between the pair. Although CARES prides itself on helping the mentees educationally, the more important aspects are teaching the children daily responsibilities and life long skills. The mentors are chosen through an application and interview process. These mentors demonstrate the outstanding qualities to be a teacher, big brother/sister, friend and support system at the same time.
cares@dickinson.edu  

Cub Scouts provides Dickinson students with the opportunity to mentor the male youths of Carlisle . The scouts are members of Cub Scout Pack 149 hosted at Hope Station. Cub Scouts have regular den meetings on Wednesday evenings. Throughout the year the mentors also provide various trips and activities for the children.
cub@dickinson.edu
www.scouting.org

Dickinson students serve as leaders for the Girl Scout troop at the Hope Station. The troop serves as an evening safe escape for girls in grades K-5. The purpose of the troop is to provide a place where girls can grow and enjoy a variety of activities outside of the classroom. The leaders also mentor girls and take them on weekend trips. Past activities have included trips to Wagoner's Gap, Hershey Park and a Horse Farm.
gscouts@dickinson.edu
www.girlscouts.org

Dickinson students tutor area high school students, and some elementary students, on a one-to-one basis. Tutors meet with students on campus to assist with academics and to acquaint the student with the college atmosphere. Students are referred to us from their area guidance counselors and are matched with Dickinson tutors according to their particular subject needs.
ctp@dickinson.edu

Dreamcatchers provides an environment that promotes emotional, social and educational success to immigrant students with the guidance of Dickinson College mentors. Dreamcatchers serves mostly Middle Eastern and Eastern European middle school students in the Carlisle School District . While the mentors strive to support each student, the students are often the teachers, reminding the mentors how intelligent young people can and should be. Highly committed mentors work with students who have great potential, lots of energy and a desire to succeed.
dream@dickinson.edu

This group of dedicated students works to serve and support the youth of Carlisle . This is done primarily through mentoring and tutoring after school from 3-6pm Monday through Friday. Empower helps to promote students events, plan large projects, and host events for students. This program is offered for students in 2nd-12th grades and builds relationships through empowering students to make a difference in Carlisle themselves.
empower@dickinson.edu

The ESL (English as a Second Language) program provides English classes to Hispanic immigrants in Adams County , with the purpose of empowering migrant workers and families. Students in Dickinson 's medical Spanish service-learning course founded the ESL program several years ago when they realized that the existing services and resources for migrant workers lacked language instruction.
esl@dickinson.edu

Expanding Horizons is a mentoring program for high school students with migrant parents. Dickinson mentors are paired with mentees from schools around the Cumberland Valley . By attending events at Dickinson throughout the year and by keeping in touch, mentors and mentees form relationships where mentors help with school work, provide information about getting into college and give students an outlet and support network. The one-on-one time that mentees spend with their Dickinson mentors is extremely valuable.

Habitat for Humanity is a national organization that woks to eliminate poverty housing by building and restoring houses and selling them to qualified families at no profit. Dickinson 's chapter works in nearby areas throughout the semester and goes on trips during breaks. Both skilled and unskilled volunteers are invited to participate.
habitat@dickinson.edu
http://www.habitat.org/default.aspx

Rotaract is a program of Rotary International. Rotaract serves as an umbrella organization by supporting youth advocacy programs. Rotaract has drawn community interest through its connection to the Carlisle Rotary Club and Sunrise Carlisle Rotary.
rotaract@dickinson.edu

Serve the World coordinates domestic and international service trips. Last year, there were several successful trips to provide relief work after Hurricane Katrina during winter break, spring break and the summer. This year, Serve the World will be going to Jamaica for the winter break trip and returning to New Orleans for spring break.
stw@dickinson.edu

Click here for some STW photos!

Special Friends is a mentoring program that pairs Dickinson students with special needs individuals from the Carlisle area. Students meet with their special friends once a week and participate in monthly group outings. Volunteers also try to educate the community about individuals with special needs through Special Needs Awareness Week.
sfriends@dickinson.edu