VolunteerUM

Get involved. Make a difference. Strengthen your community.

At the University of Montana, learning goes beyond the classroom. Volunteering in your community gives you the chance to spark meaningful conversations, grow your leadership skills, and bring your classroom knowledge to life through real-world projects. Whatever your passions or schedule, UM offers countless ways to make an impact.

Find a Volunteer Opportunity

Join a Student Organization

Apply for Funding

Dive into this page to explore local volunteer opportunities, connect with student groups driven by service, discover community-engaged courses, spend your Spring Break making an impact with Alternative Breaks, and learn how to join VolunteerUM – our student-led initiative dedicated to building a stronger Missoula through teamwork and service.

However you choose to serve, your time and talents make an impact. Start here…and start making a difference.

a student smiling at the camera as she cuts food in an industrial kitchen.

A group of student smiling at the camera posing in front of the ocean

There is something truly magical about hiking through a forest, or swimming in the ocean, when you know you have contributed to the restoration of it.

VolunteerUM is a vibrant, student-led volunteer group that makes meaningful differences in the Missoula community and beyond through its signature programs, Service Saturdays and Alternative Breaks. During the 2024–2025 academic year, VolunteerUM organized 25+ events and two major fundraisers, contributing a total of 2,846 service hours to communities in need. Students can be apart VolunteerUM by joining us for a single volunteer event or serving with us all year!

Join the VolunteerUM Newsletter today and get ready to make new friends while making a difference!

Ready to Serve?

Follow these simple steps to begin your volunteer journey, connect with local nonprofits, and find the perfect way to engage your skills and passions.

a student standing in front of the ocean holding a large root vegetable

Volunteer with VolunteerUM

VolunteerUM is a vibrant, student-led volunteer group that makes a meaningful difference in the Missoula community and beyond through its signature programs. Learn more about VolunteerUM here.

Find Local Volunteer Opportunities

Explore local nonprofits that align with your interests. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, education, social justice, or animal welfare, you’ll find meaningful ways to make a difference right here in Missoula!

a group of students standing around a sheet of wood as one of them cuts it with a saw

Join a Student Organization

Get involved with student organizations that are making a difference on campus and in the community. Groups like the UM Advocates, Alpha Phi, and others integrate service into their missions. Explore ASUM student groups here.

a man grabbing a frozen turkey from a box

Support a Community Drive

Join one of UM’s community drives this year, such as Stuff the Bus – Beat the Bobcats or Holiday Helpers. More information will be available soon!

a group of student smiling for the camera in a rainy garden

Take a Service-Learning Class

Make your coursework count for more. Service-learning classes combine academic content with real-world experience, connecting you to community organizations where you can apply what you’re learning while making a tangible impact.

Get Funding for Your Service Project

Want to turn your passion for community service into real projects? UM students can access funding to support community service and leadership projects through two key programs: The Experiential Learning Scholarship Fund and The College Leaders Cohort program.

student posing on the steps of the state capital

Serve Nationally with AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps provides a unique chance to serve those in need, build connections, and gain hands-on experience that can shape a rewarding career in public service or nonprofit work. The University of Montana will provide $1000 matches to AmeriCorps alums using the Education Awards.

two men explaining something to a younger person as they kneel in the jungle

Serve Abroad with Peace Corps

Peace Corps is a service opportunity that immerses volunteers in a community abroad, working with local leaders to tackle pressing challenges. UM offers the Peace Corps Prep Program to give students an advantage in the competitive application process for Peace Corps service.

Featured Articles

For the third year in a row, UM is the top ranked university in the country for community and national service. The ranking identifies universities across the nation for their concentration of students and alumni who participate in community and national service.
https://www.umt.edu/news/2025/02/021825serv.php

This spring, students in the GLI demonstrated the power of community-driven leadership, logging over 1,000 hours of civic engagement through their GBLD 220: Models of Leadership course.
https://www.umt.edu/global-leadership-initiative/gli-updates/civic-engagement-2025.php

This Valentine’s season, a group of University of Montana students made sure the animals at the local humane society got some puppy love.
https://www.montanakaimin.com/gallery/lending-a-paw/article_ef9fafb6-e9a2-11ef-8a03-0f028cf39d79.html

Across the nation, The Big Event is getting college students to volunteer for a day, all to better their college and community. At UM, it’s no different.
https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/university-of-montana-students-give-back-to-campus-engage-in-volunteer-service-projects#google_vignette

Contact

Jenah Mead, Experiential Learning Program Manager

Experiential Learning & Career Success

University of Montana

jenah.mead@mso.umt.edu

Alternative BreaksShare This: Share Alternative Breaks on FacebookShare Alternative Breaks on LinkedInShare Alternative Breaks on X
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VolunteerUM is a vibrant, student-led volunteer group that makes a meaningful difference in the Missoula community and beyond through its …

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This page provides a snapshot of University of Montana student career outcomes at graduation. This information is collected from student graduation surveys and public online data sources starting just prior to graduation until 6 months following graduation in accordance with standards set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

The response rates across years exhibit significant variability. Data presented may not accurately reflect the characteristics of the entire graduating population.

First Destination

NACE’s First-Destination Survey captures information regarding how new college graduates fare in their careers within six months of graduation. The annual initiative provides data on the outcomes associated with a college education on a national scale.