Are you looking for a way to get involved in the local community in order to make a substantial and long-term impact? Often, one-time event-based volunteer opportunities do not best fulfill student's desires to give back or the needs of our community. Instead, we invite you to explore our list of community partners to discover a cause or a group that you're passionate about. Reach out to their staff to learn more about how you can offer ongoing support to help them fulfill their mission!
Community Groups
31 Backpacks
31 Backpacks is a locally based non-profit providing food for at-risk children on weekends and school breaks. On average, over 2000 meals, almost 1,000 servings of fruit and almost 900 snacks are served per week. Their mission is "No child should go to bed hungry." Stay up to date with 31 Backpacks on their Facebook page.
Angel Mission
Copper Country Angel Mission knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. More than 20 years ago, a small group of like-minded individuals realized that by working together they could efficiently and effectively help to overcome the local effects of poverty. Since that time, Angel Mission has grown, broadened support, changed their name, and become an independent corporation that continues partnerships with the Presbytery and Portage Lake United Church, but their mission is the same: Copper Country Angel Mission promotes community welfare by serving those in need with compassion and dignity. Learn more on the Angel Mission website.
Barbara-Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home
The Barbara-Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home offers a safe place for victims of domestic violence and their children. They work to provide ways to access safety and support when escaping violence and abuse. Along with the shelter, they offer counseling, advocacy, and referrals to other agencies in the community which work for or with those affected by domestic violence. Learn more on the Barbara-Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home website.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western UP
Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives and futures of children in our local community - today and forever. We inspire children to realize their full potential and build brighter futures by providing strong, enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring volunteers. We ignite the power and promise of youth through friendship, guidance and opportunities. Be an Ally for kids. Defend, Empower, Ignite Potential. Now is the time. Volunteer, Enroll a Child, Donate today. Learn more on the UP Kids website.
Center for Science & Environmental Outreach
The mission of the Michigan Tech Center for Science & Environmental Outreach (CSEO) is to develop scientifically literate and environmentally committed citizens, scientists and community leaders for the 21st century by providing innovative and quality programming for students, teachers, and communities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, statewide, Great Lakes region and nationally. The Center has extensive experience developing and delivering K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, along with many environmental education programs. Learn more on the CSEO website.
Community Alliance for Progressive Education
The Community Alliance for Progressive Education (CAPE) is a local non-profit that is working to create and provide engaging, innovative education opportunities that offer a progressive approach to learning, rooted in research and best practices. Currently, CAPE offers: After school programs for the local K-12 schools, tutoring both during the day and after school, snow day programming when K-12 schools are closed, Dungeons and Dragons sessions for learning through play, STEM demonstrations, physical fitness gym activities, and more! Additionally, they have their own Makerspace for students and community members to use. Learn more on CAPE's website.
Copper Country Habitat for Humanity
Copper Country Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. Copper Country Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Learn more on the Copper Country Habitat for Humanity website.
Copper Country Humane Society
It is the primary mission of CCHS to operate a “no time limits” shelter for domestic (non-feral) dogs and cats from Keweenaw, Houghton, and Baraga Counties and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in accordance with the guidelines set by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The shelter receives animals from animal control and private citizens. CCHS works to return lost animals to their owners and to identify suitable homes for the remaining animals. These animals are not judged by “time of stay” to determine adoptability. Euthanasia will be considered per veterinarian recommendation based on health, temperament and quality of life and will only be performed by a veterinarian. While in our care, animals receive professional, quality care by concerned individuals dedicated to helping animals. Learn more on the Humane Society's website.
Copper Country Recycling Initiative
The mission of the Copper Country Recycling Initiative (CCRI) is to work toward a Zero Waste System, envisioning a community that not only recycles but creates less waste in our everyday lives. This includes reducing consumption, buying in bulk, avoiding packaging, purchasing items made with recycled materials, donating items for reuse, educating the community on environmental stewardship and envisioning our trash as a resource. Learn more on the Recycling Initiative's Facebook page.
Dial Help
Dial Help's professional team of staff and volunteers know that a little support during a difficult time can go a long way. They empower individuals to find solutions and make healthy decisions. Dial Help is here to offer confidential, non-judgmental services for crisis support, mental health, and more. The mission of Dial Help is to promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of our communities. They accomplish this goal by providing problem assistance, crisis intervention, referrals, education, and training. Learn more at dialhelp.org.
Keweenaw Land Trust
The Keweenaw Land Trust is a dynamic and effective organization empowering landowners and citizens to create a landscape that is forever beautiful, healthy and diverse. Our wealth of clean waters and natural and cultural resources sustain native wildlife, strengthen our local economy, and provide abundant recreational opportunities that together enrich our experience of the world. As a respected local conservation leader, we apply effective strategies to protect and restore natural areas, watersheds, heritage lands, traditional farms, forests and family lands that enhance our quality of life and foster personal connections to the Keweenaw for generations to come. Learn more on KLT's website.
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly
Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly is a national network of non-profit volunteer-based organizations committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly. We offer to people of goodwill the opportunity to join the elderly in friendship and celebration of life. Our motto “where service to the elderly begins by being a friend” reminds us that the most important gift we bring when we knock on the door is the gift of friendship. With every service we provide and with every gesture that we do, we do it in the spirit of friendship. Our services are all free of charge to the elderly. Learn more on the LBFE website.
New Power Tour
New Power Tour, Inc is a 501c3 with partnerships that help income-qualified households receive assistance in reducing energy costs. Learn more on the New Power Tour website.
Omega House
Omega House offers a peaceful, homelike environment for terminally ill people and provides end-of-life care that emphasizes compassion, independence, respect and dignity. In cooperation with local hospice programs, Omega House provides residents with exceptional care and attention 24-hours a day, seven days a week throughout Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon counties, and strives to continuously exceed the expectations of the patients and families we serve. Volunteers assist with any number of patient and family needs – ranging from social visits to preparing meals to lawn care and snow removal. Learn more on the Omega House website.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army believes in meeting the basic needs of individuals and families, young and old. These basic needs include food, clothing, shelter and household needs. While meeting the physical needs, The Salvation Army staff also offer hope and guidance to those coming in for services. Learn more on the Hancock based Salvation Army's website.
Swedetown Trails Club
Swedetown Recreation Area in Calumet Michigan is 1900 acres set aside for public use by Calumet Township. It offers outstanding non-motorized trails for the community and visitors to the area. For winter recreation there are 26K of groomed cross country ski trails with variety from easy to difficult. In summer there are 25 miles of mountain bike trails as well as trails for hiking and trail running. Swedetown Trails Club (STC) is a nonprofit volunteer organization. As a partner to Calumet Township, STC develops and maintains trails and hosts events to encourage active outdoor recreation. Learn more on http://swedetowntrails.org/.
Service-Based Student Organizations
Alpha Phi Omega
Alpha Phi Omega is a national coeducational service fraternity founded on the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service. It provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they provide service to their campus, to youth and the community, to the nation, and to members of the Fraternity.
Circle K International
Circle K International (CKI) is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization and one branch of the Kiwanis family. Our focus is to promote service, leadership, and fellowship not only to our members, but the community. As the Michigan Tech chapter, our goal is to make a difference on-campus and in our local community while having fun and making valuable friendships!
Engineers Without Borders
Established to partner with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through implementation of environmentally, equitable, and economically sustainable engineering projects, while developing internationally responsible engineers and engineering students.
Mind Trekkers
Mind Trekkers is an organization committed to engaging people worldwide in action-packed hands-on learning. It aims to ignite an enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, higher education, and, most importantly, learning. We primarily seek to achieve this goal with the implementation of a road show composed of short (5-minute or less) engaging hands-on science experiments. In addition to traveling road shows, the Trekkers will perform on-campus events to inspire a passion for learning while garnering an excitement for Michigan Tech’s programs and services. Finally, members ("Trekkers") will complete outreach by traveling to their hometowns or local schools to teach hands-on science lessons in K-12 classrooms.
Tech Tutors
Tech Tutors at Michigan Technological University is a volunteer tutoring organization committed to providing K-12 students with individualized support and educational opportunities. Tech Tutors at Michigan Tech aims to tutor and mentor students across the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, and the Midwest in a wide range of subjects from STEM to arts and social sciences. Tech Tutors at Michigan Tech primarily strives to achieve this goal with the implementation of one-on-one tutoring and educational enrichment (virtually and in person).
Tiny Knitz
Tiny Knitz is an organization dedicated to creativity, volunteerism, and community service. The organization serves as (1) a resource for students to learn new knitting and crocheting skills in a way that benefits the community around them, and (2) serves as a volunteer organization partnered with local non-profit organizations in helping to provide apparel for newborns in the Keweenaw community.