Hopkins Springs into Community Service Learning Intensives

Hopkins’ Community Service Office pinpoints needs in the New Haven community that Hopkins can help address. It offers a variety of on and off campus volunteer opportunities during the school day in order to give students a chance to learn and serve the New Haven community. During students’ free blocks, opportunities to visit residents at retirement homes, maintain food pantries, clean memorials and monuments, and more are provided.

A major goal of this program is to build meaningful relationships within New Haven’s community. The Director of Community Service Alissa Davis stated that this system will allow students “to get more involved in our greater New Haven Community.” Dean of Students Lars Jorgensen also emphasized this, saying that “being a part of the New Haven Community, access is easy and gives us the ability to form strong community relationships.” 

Many commented on the accessibility of these programs, which has drawn in many students due to their convenient schedule and because transportation to and from Hopkins is provided by the school. John Anderson, who oversees tutoring at Davis Academy, explained how giving students these opportunities during school is “something they can commit to,” since “students often have so many things after school.” Similarly, Imogen Smethurst ‘27 said that “it’s convenient… if you have a free block, there's always something.” 

Many of the volunteers have reported positive experiences while tutoring elementary students. Smethurst explained how in her first year as a tutor, “I had the best group of students… As soon as I had the opportunity to come back, I was able to stay in the same grade.” She also noticed how “the teachers do appreciate having Hopkins students." Leila Abate ’27 said, “I've gotten really familiar with Davis Academy and the students there, which is really nice.”

While the program offers a wide range of options, there are still limitations concerning the timing. Abate noted that “there’s so many opportunities that I wish were more available to everyone." Smethurst also noticed how the current system limits what students can do, explaining how “sometimes I see an opportunity that I would like, but I don't have the free block.” Anderson expressed that “I wish I had more spots open during these times. It's a bit of a luck of the draw for the year.” The schedule changes year to year, which can make scheduling difficult.

Aiming to devise possible solutions to this problem, Anderson said that because “some students don’t feel like they can commit to something during the school day,” he has “thought about doing one after school once a week.” Additionally, Abate said that “I’m hoping with the new schedule, maybe it’d be easier to have opportunities that anyone can sign up for.” Improvements to the service programs are already being made. Jorgensen shared that they are “in the process of re-imagining the AKAP Training program, and this service opportunity is part of our first phase of introducing it.” The Adam Kreiger Adventure Course (AKAP) training offered at Hopkins seeks to develop important skills such as collaboration and problem solving. Jorgensen looked forward to “expanding the program next year with the aim of providing  team building programs for teams, club leaders and work alongside teachers that want to incorporate more experiential learning into their curriculum.” 

To students interested in participating in community service, Anderson and Abate both encouraged students to “just go for it,” saying “it’s okay to feel a little bit out of your comfort zone at the beginning.” Abate said that service becomes “a great de-stressor, because it’s just taking a break in between classes and going out.” Smethurst reminded students that “trying it doesn't mean you're committed to it. So if you try it and it's not for you, you can go back.” Jorgensen explained that Hopkins is “committed to creating a supportive and challenging environment where every student can thrive and make meaningful contributions to their school community and beyond.”