Opportunities to get involved   VPS programs   DC based programs   National programs   International programs   Calendar   Useful links		VPS Links: National Non-Profit Organizations AmeriCorps:A government program which gives volunteers the opportunity to help communities across America.  Participants receive awards that help finance college or pay back student loans.  This program is one of several that are a part of the Corporation for National Service. American Association for Higher Education:   AAHE is an individual membership organization that promotes important changes to higher education for the complex, interconnected world. The association equips individuals and institutions committed to such changes with the knowledge they need to bring those changes about, through various programs of service-learning. Campus Compact: This organization is actively engaged both on and off campus in community service. It aims to create supportive academic environments for community service, assist in legislation in promoting community service, and provides funding and awards to help foster community service. Campus Outreach Opportunity League (COOL):  A national nonprofit organization dedicated to  the education and empowerment of college students to strengthen our nation through community service.  COOL aims to mobilize and connect students toward increasing participation in individual communities, to promote activism and foster civic and social responsibility. Christmas in April:  National volunteer organization that works with communities to rehabilitate housing, particularly for low-income, elderly or disabled homeowners. Communications for a Sustainable Future:"The Home of Service-Learning on the World Wide Web,"  this is a site that lists service-learning opportunities at both graduate and undergraduate levels, at colleges and universities across the US, and points you to other great service-learning links. Do Something:  A national nonprofit organziation that "inspires young people to believe in change, and trains, funds and mobilizes them to be leaders who measurably strengthen their community."  Toward this, it works with partners that include MTV, Blockbuster Entertainment, Fox TV Network, Channel One, Applied Materials and MSN.   Educators for Community Engagement:  An expanding circle of educators, the Invisible College promotes community service learning as an effective educational tool. It attempts to integrate learning and service in the diverse communities in which we live. National Society for Experiential Education:  NSEE is a membership association and national resource center that promotes experienced-based approaches to teaching and learning. It works with educators, business and community leaders toward achieving students' full learning potential thoough experience-based educational programs. PeaceCorps—“The toughest job you’ll ever love.”:  A nonprofit governmental program in which participants are able to volunteer in all corners of the world in areas of health, education, community and youth development, non-governmental organization development, agriculture and urban development.  Benefits include student loan deferment and fluency in a foreign language. Points of Light Foundation:  National organization committed to "engaging more people more effectively in volunteer community service to help solve serious problems."  The site connects you to others committed to service, to local Volunteer Centers, and explains how to be a mentor. Project America:Founded by college students, Project America inspires and teaches people to take positive steps in their communities and creates partnerships between volunteers and the organizations that need them. Service Learning Website--University of Colorado:  "The Home of Service Learning on the Web" Service Station:  "An international youth and young adult volunteer service organization."  With both global and domestic sites, young people have the opportunity to travel to various communities where they work to build or volunteer in needed facilities. United Way of America:  "United Way is a national system of volunteers, contributors, and local charities built on the proven effectiveness of local organizations helping people in their own communities.  United Way of America is the national membership organization that supports nearly 1,400 independent local United Ways across the country with services and training."