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CommServ Groups



Empower group mentors.

    CommServ is comprised of individual programs that eack work with a specific community parnter.  The groups have student coordinators, but depend upon the volunteers to make the program successful.  Volunteers tutor kids, design art, visit with senior citizens, build houses and so much more. 

    If you are interested in any program, please email the program directly.  If you are interested in more than one, please complete the Volunteer Interest Survey.  Since student coordinators only work during the semester, if it's the summer time please email volunteer@dickinson.edu

  • America Reads
    America Reads is a program that places Dickinson students in a Carlisle elementary school 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. Mentors help student gain necessary literary skills by reading stories, listening to students read, giving spelling quizzes, and most importantly encougaring kids to acquire a love of reading.
    Meetings: LeTort Elementary School, Monday through Friday 1-3pm
    Contact: amreads@dickinson.edu
  • ArtWorks
    This program is a new partnership in Spring 2013 with the Carlisle Arts and Learning Center (CALC) that provides an opportunity for middle school youth to create and learn about various forms of art through an 8 week session each semester.  Through generous partnerships there is no charge for this program for participants. Dickinson students assist with projects, mentoring students, and providing encouragement during one of the three sessions each week.
    Meetings: Monday and Wednesdays 3:30-5 pm, one Saturday a month
    Contact: artworks@dickinson.edu

  • Big Little
    This program is a mentoring program that works closely with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. Members are paired with a “little”: a local elementary-aged student. 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 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.
    Meetings: Mooreland Elementary School, individual meetings with Littles, mentor meetings bi-monthly Wednesday evenings
    Contact: big@dickinson.edu

  • CARES
    CARES provides an environment that promotes emotional, social and educational success to immigrant students in the elementary grades with the guidance of Dickinson mentors. The mentors help teach children daily responsibilities and life long skills. These mentors demonstrate the outstanding qualities to be a teacher, big brother/sister, friend and support system at the same time.
    Meetings: Hamilton Elementary School, Wednesday 3:30-5 pm, mentor meetings Tuesday 8pm
    Contact: cares@dickinson.edu

  • Carlisle Tutoring
    Dickinson students tutor 1:1 students with homework help and review sessions for all subjects and grade levels. Tutors select the age level they wish to work with and then are paired up through the guidance counselors of the Carlisle School District.
    Meetings: Wilson Middle School and Hope Station, individual times Monday through Thursday, mentor meetings Sunday 8pm
    Contact: ctp@dickinson.edu 

  • Dickinson Friends
    Special Friends is a mentoring program that pairs Dickinson students with special needs (both physcial and mental) young people from the Carlisle area. Students meet with their special friends once a week and participate in monthly group events.
    Meetings: Dickinson Underground, individual times throughout the week, mentor meetings Thursday 8pm Underground
    Contact: sfriends@dickinson.edu DreamCatchers
  • Dreamcatchers serves a wide range of immigrant children, primarily Bosian middle school students in the Carlisle School District. Mentors provide an environment that promotes emotional, social, and educational sucess. Our highly committed mentors work with students to encourage a strong desire to succeed in their lives.
    Meetings: Dickinson Old West Building, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-8 pm, mentor meetings Sunday 6:30 6pm
    Contact: dream@dickinson.edu
  • ESL Field of Dreams
    The ESL (English as a Second Language) program provides English classes to Hispanic immigrants in the local area. Working in coordination with the Employment Skills Center, students are trained to tutor and support students at a vareity of level learning English.  They are tutoring at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Meeting: Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm and Saturdays 12-1:30 pm
    Contact: esl@dickinson.edu
  • Habitat for Humanity
    Habitat for Humanity is a national organization that works to eliminate poverty housing by building and restoring houses for qualified families. Dickinson’s chapter works in nearby areas throughout the semester and raises money for Habitat. Both skilled and unskilled volunteers are invited to participate.
    Meetings: local Habitat Sites, Saturdays 9am-12noon, 12-3 pm; member meetings Wednesdays 7:30 pm
    Contact: habitat@dickinson.edu 
  • Senior Companions
    A program started in Spring 2012 to provide friendship and conversation to the residents of Claremount Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  This group goes weekly to visit with residents and has monthly larger events that have includes spring crafts and a Prom
    Contact: seniorcomp@dickisnon.edu