Mission
The Center for Public Service engages students, community members, faculty and staff to facilitate partnerships, education, critical thinking and informed action. Through these alliances, we aim to foster social justice by promoting personal, institutional and community change.
History of CPS
The Center for Public Service was founded in December 1991, under the leadership of Karl Mattson. Prior to that time, community service and service-learning activities stemmed from the Chapel program. Another important antecedent to the Center for Public Service's founding was the endowment left by Stephen Warner, a Gettysburg College activist who was killed in combat during the Vietnam War. His GI insurance was intended “to create intellectually controversial programs.” The first decade constructed a strong foundation in co-curricular community service and strong community partnerships. We now are building on that foundation to move into a more curricular/academic focus while continuously strengthening our community partnerships.
Historical Timeline of CPS
Integrative Model
With a central issue – like food justice, poverty, immigration or education - CPS connects students, faculty and community members for action. Action takes on various forms and in six major focus areas: education, direct action, community building, policy, dialogue and research. The work for social justice is thus integrative and complementary, presenting a holistic approach to systemic change.
Program Areas
The Center for Public Service at Gettysburg College challenges students to “think critically and act compassionately” through six major program areas, carried out in partnership with students, community members, faculty and staff.
- Student Leadership — program coordinators inspire and organize action for social justice on campus and in the community.
- Summer Fellowships — students immerse in community development initiatives in domestic and international locations
- Reflective Service — co-curricular opportunities for meaningful service.
- Community-Based Learning — integration of traditional classroom learning to hands-on experiences, challenging students to link academic theories with community realities.
- Community-Based Research — partnerships between students, faculty and community members to collaboratively engage in research to address a pressing community concern.
- Immersion Projects — travel opportunities in the U.S. and abroad for students to engage with a community, encounter challenges and deepen understanding of social justice issues.