Participants in the Community GIGs (Give Ideas to Gettysburg) program have the opportunity to engage with local non-profits through free-of-charge consulting services on an identified project. Additionally, participants will develop tangible and relevant professional skills while making long-lasting community connections. The program is open to students of all class years and participants receive a small financial fellowship at the completion of the program. GIGs is a collaboration presented by the Center for Public Service, Garthwait Leadership Center, Center for Career Engagement, & the Innovation and Creativity Lab. Sponsorship support is provided by PNC Bank.
Application & Program Timeline:
- September to October – Student application period
- Mid-October – Candidate interviews
- November – Student offers/acceptance
- December – Kickoff & Design Thinking Bootcamp Training
- January – April – Student teams working on projects
- April – Summit Celebration Dinner & Final Presentations
Applicant Selection Process:
Applicants will be selected based on interest and skill set and matched with a Gettysburg College student group and coach who will serve as their advisor. Students will lead and facilitate the conversations with their community partner to get to know the organization and any challenges they face. To conclude the project, students will present their recommendations to the community partner liaison and appropriate stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the program, students will
- Enhance or develop professional skills
- Contribute to a local community organization
- Learned and practice human-centered design thinking and humble consulting
- Deliver a presentation with peers to community partner
Past Community Partners:
- Adams County Farmers Market Association
- Healthy Adams County
- Migrant Education Program
- Latino Services Taskforce
- Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center
- Land Conservancy of Adams County
- Waldo’s & Company
- Adams County Sexual Assault Services
For more information, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions in Handshake Resources.