Center for Civic and Community Engagement

Support Collegiate Basic Needs at Point Park University

At Point Park University, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive without the distraction of unmet basic needs. Yet, national research shows that nearly 40% of college students experience food insecurity and about 14% experience homelessness or housing instability during their studies. These challenges impact academic success, health, and overall well-being.

To meet these needs on our campus, the Center for Civic and Community Engagement provides vital resources and support systems. The Pioneer Pantry ensures students have consistent access to nutritious food and household essentials. The Nook Community Kitchen provides basic kitchen appliances 24/7 for students to prepare their own meals. We also partner with Café Momentum to provide cooking classes for the students. Point Park Community Garden not only supplies fresh produce but also creates a hands-on space for students to learn about sustainability and healthy living. Beyond food, the initiative supports students with other critical resources, helping reduce barriers to education and empowering them to focus on achieving their goals.

By supporting Collegiate Basic Needs, you help create a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community at Point Park University. Your gift directly sustains these essential services, ensuring every Pioneer can succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Support Student Civic Engagement at Point Park University

Now more than ever, our communities need civically engaged leaders; young people who understand the importance of service, collaboration, and building solutions for the challenges around them. Across Pittsburgh, nonprofits are facing critical shortages of volunteers. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank alone reports needing about 75 more volunteers each week to meet demand, and many neighborhood councils and nonprofit boards are struggling to recruit younger voices to step into leadership roles. At Point Park, we are committed to developing those leaders by providing students with opportunities to volunteer, participate in service-learning projects, and travel to communities where they can see civic engagement in action.

Through the Center for Civic and Community Engagement, students gain hands-on experience with volunteerism, service-learning, and immersive travel. Programs like Pioneer Partners connect students with local nonprofits and community projects, while the Bonner Leaders program allows students to use Federal Work Study money to work for a local nonprofit, and the 412 Impact Summer Camp gives middle- and high-school youth a chance to collaborate with Point Park students on service projects across the city.

Money raised during Day of Giving will cover transportation, supplies, and program development. With your support, more students will have access to transformative civic engagement experiences that shape them into active, responsible, and inspired citizens.

Your gift to Student Civic Engagement helps us expand these opportunities, preparing the next generation of leaders to not only succeed in their careers but also to strengthen their communities for years to come.