Northridge : CSUN Widens Student Volunteering Options

Early last year, Cal State Northridge President Blenda J. Wilson decided she wanted to create more volunteer opportunities for her students.

The decision last March prompted the university’s Career Center to expand its already-in-place volunteer programs.

Carla Kurachi, who oversees the new volunteer efforts, offered to spearhead the project because she believes volunteering should be a part of graduation requirements for all students.

The center enhanced its two-pronged system, concentrating on one-day and ongoing community programs.

Through LEP, or Learning Experience Program, the center has long-term volunteering opportunities such as tutoring or working at AIDS clinics.

In another program, called SOS or Students Organized for Service, students can get involved in one-day events, such as graffiti cleanups or helping the American Heart Assn. with blood drives.

Students sign up with the center to volunteer and, depending on their interests, are assigned to serve with others at an event.

More than 800 students have volunteered through LEP or SOS in the last year, Kurachi said.

Kurachi, who is also a member of the Simi Valley school board, said that creating ongoing programs gets students involved beyond the Northridge campus.

“A lot of students say they want to get involved or volunteer, but they don’t have time,” she said. But once they do, she added, “the student ends up loving the experience a lot.”