Volunteers work with development banks, nongovernmental organizations, and municipalities to strengthen infrastructure and encourage economic opportunities in communities. They frequently teach in classroom settings and work with entrepreneurs and business owners to develop and market their products. Some Volunteers also teach basic computer skills and help communities take advantage of technologies such as e-commerce, distance learning, and more.

If you choose Community Economic Development, take three courses from one of the following areas:

• Business or International Business
• Public Policy and Administration
• Education Media
• Nonprofit Studies
• Accounting or Finance
• Computer Science and related majors
• Economics
• Media Arts and Design or Graphic Design
• Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication
• Communications Studies

And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as (but not limited to):

• Working with businesses, organizations, or cooperatives in accounting, finance, microfinance, management, project management, budgeting, or marketing
• Starting and running your own business or other entrepreneurial activity
• Training others in computer literacy, maintenance, and repair
• Website design or online marketing
• Volunteering with the Madison Center for Community Development’s outreach efforts to help capture the needs of local nonprofit organizations
• Volunteering to help plan and promote one of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s annual events
• Volunteering with Rockingham County’s Department of Community Development through actively participating as a community member through the County’s upcoming Comprehensive Planning
• Founding or leading a community- or school-based organization
• Volunteering with the Refugee and Immigrant Economic Impact Taskforce
• Volunteering with the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
• Volunteering with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce

This is a sample of service opportunities offered in the Harrisonburg community. Please visit Community Service-Learning for additional service opportunities and information about the Alternative Break Program. Paid and unpaid internships also can meet this requirement. Please see the University Career Center for internship opportunities.