From working at the Ross Park Zoo to the Broome County Health Department, the Career Development Centralized Internship Program (CDCI) and Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) are getting students involved in the Broome County community.

The CDCI partners students with over 100 pre-approved organizations to find internships that earn them two to four credits and fulfill the W or O general education requirement. The CDCI also takes student suggestions of organizations, and will approve them on a case-by-case basis if the internships have an academic aspect.

According to Dara Riegel, internship and career consultant at the CDCI, students gain hands-on work experience by interning for 120 hours a semester and attending hour-long weekly seminars. Students receive a letter grade and professional guidance, such as resume advice. Riegel said that even if students do not participate in strictly community-service based programs, they are still helping the community and stimulating the economy.

“Regardless of whether a student gets credit for an internship or not, it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to gain experience,” Riegel said. “If they’re doing it at a community organization, then even better because they’re utilizing their talents to help propel a small organization to success.”

The CDCI has opportunities for all majors and works with employers to post offerings online on hireBING. Students can begin applying for spring internships on November 11, and can apply to as many as they like.

Riegel said 995 students participated in the CDCI program in the 2014-2015 academic year at organizations like Johnson City Mentors, Liberty Partnerships, Promise Zone and the Community Schools project. There are also 45 departments offering internships on campus, from the Multicultural Resource Center to the Athletics Department.

The JC Mentorship Program allows students to get communication and leadership skills by creating goals for JC middle school students. The two-credit internship is five hours a week, along with a seminar class.

Zach Pehel, a JC mentor and senior double-majoring in political science and environmental studies, said that it was a positive experience to engage with the local community first-hand.

“Two years later I still see them and go to their football games and chat with them weekly,” Pehel said. “They are great kids in tough situations and it was a pleasure to be able to become part of their lives.”

Laura Bowen, the executive director of CDCI-approved organization Mom’s House, said that she has had a great experience with BU volunteers who have worked at the childcare facility.

“They are wonderful with the children and provide a fresh and enthusiastic element that enhances the learning environment,” Bowen said. “They also enable us to give more one-on-one attention which positively impacts the children in our care and the quality of education we are able to deliver.”

The CDCI can provide students with internships, but students can also find volunteering opportunities through the CCE database. The CCE connects students with community organizations, nonprofits or volunteering opportunities through their online service listings database, which features more than 300 organizations.

Community Schools Coordinator Pam Misener said that the Binghamton area has much to offer students and volunteers, and it is easy to get involved.

“Not only does this get BU students off-campus to learn about Broome County, but it also allows students to bring their own passion and areas of expertise to local school children,” Misener said. “It’s a winning scenario that supports success for all who participate.”