How charities can work with university students

Attending university can be a formative experience for many students. While in education, students have an opportunity to learn skills, connect with friends, and make an impact.

 

For charities, working with university and college students forms lifelong affiliations with your cause. To make a lasting impression, here are the top ways for charities to work with students.

 

 

1. Invite students to be trustees

 

Gain an insight into what young people are thinking and how they are using digital. To engage university students start recruiting them on charity boards. As board members, young people offer an intergenerational perspective and enable better decision-making, according to the Young Trustees Movement. For students, a trusteeship is an impressive way to build leadership skills.

 

 

2. Run charity programmes alongside academics

 

Charities have a big role to play when it comes to mental health. Charities can support and work with students to create a better learning environment. They can also consider having students act as mentors for those with mental health issues. For example, Student Minds runs digital and in-person programmes aimed at teaching university students strategies to improve mental health.

 

 

3. Charity internships and work placement

 

One of the most mutually beneficial ways charities can work with university students is through a formal internship or work placement. Lancaster University has a well-established programme working with local charities. The university works with Shelter UK, Advocacy Focus, National Autistic Society, and other charities. Students volunteer with the chosen organisations and gain professional experience.

 

 

4. Look at university societies

 

University clubs and societies help charities formalise their activities. The British Red Cross on Campus has an exemplary programme. They offer students an opportunity to help those suffering from crisis. The on-campus societies hold formal meetings, and have recognised leadership roles for students. Accreditation is also on available for students fulfilling certain requirements.

 

 

5. Hold student fundraisers

 

Digital fundraising efforts aren’t limited to non-student life. To get the most of university students, hold digital fundraising events across campus. Mind UK has engaging ideas for students. They suggest holding virtual murder mystery nights, pub quizzes, and virtual lessons as ways to connect with others. For charities who haven’t already done so, virtual fundraising events are a great way for students to participate while staying safe.

 

 

6. Provide grant and scholarship assistance

 

There’s no surprise that providing funding for study grows the relationship between charities and students. To make the best out of the grant, ensure that you keep alumni details so that you can reconnect with students once they have graduated. Remember to keep track of where students are using your CRM system.

 

 

7. Start a pilot project

 

Connecting with like-minded young people isn’t as difficult as you think. Try organising a project with university students leading, participating and reporting on outcomes. The Wolfpack Project, a small charity based in Carrington, is leading the way on how digital can combat loneliness. They launched a new project to help those feeling lonely or isolated. Students from Nottingham College were invited to take part and feedback on the charity’s approach to providing support. 

 

 

8. Fundraise on campus

 

There are many opportunities on campus to fundraise. Sponsoring a pub night, formal event, film screening, or library section can help charities gain exposure. To make best use out of digital, make sure you’ve got mobile payment tech to hand for ticketing and donations.

 

 

9. Be part of their studies

 

Passionate university and college students are already enrolled in studying the charitable sector. Tap into their curiosity by participating in research studies. Recently, students at the University of Kent worked with local charities Food Friends and Canterbury Foodbank as part of their studies. The course, called “Learning by Giving – Philanthropy in Action,” focused on the impact that charity funding and volunteerism have in communities. 

 

 

10. Host volunteer abroad schemes

 

Volunteering schemes for UK charities aren’t just for those with international offices. Linking up students from abroad and hosting them in the UK is an option for most charities. Most universities have a dedicated international volunteer programme coordinator. For charities who want to get involved, start thinking about a project and how to get university offices involved.

 

Remember, even for international volunteers add a digital element where students can pitch in from anywhere. Take a look at the University of Bristol’s Think Pacific programme. They have included a virtual internship supporting overseas communities.