Terps for Change connects UMD students with local organizations to engage in hands-on service, such as tutoring, sustainable farming, and food pantry assistance. Volunteers also participate in weekly dialogues to explore the root causes of social issues and identify opportunities for action. Through this eight-week, semesterly program, students deepen their understanding of systemic inequities and gain leadership experience while making meaningful connections with the local community.
Terps for Change is a semester-long program in which volunteers serve local organizations in a variety of social issue areas by visiting and working at community service sites once a week.
Between site visits and weekly dialogues, Terps for Change facilitates camaraderie and team building among our volunteers and student coordinators.
Terps for Change offers opportunities for students to develop strong and transferable leadership skills through our Student Coordinator and Intern positions.
Get Involved
2026-2027 Intern Applications
Now Closed for 2026-2027
(Must have participated in Terps for Change at least one semester)
Internships
Perfect for…
- Former Terps for Change coordinators looking for an even more intensive leadership experience
- Experienced and organized student leaders looking to deepen professional development in specific project areas
- Creative and collaborative students interested in contributing their ideas and experiences to the growth and development of the program as a whole
The Terps for Change internship is a selective opportunity open only to students who have previously served in a leadership role with Terps for Change. Inquire at terpsforchange@umd.edu for a full position description and information on how to apply.
Fall 2026 Coordinator Application
Application now open! Deadline to apply is May 1 at 11:59 pm. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
(Must have participated in Terps for Change at least one semester)
Be a Student Leader
Perfect for…
- Former Terps for Change volunteers looking to dedicate more time and energy to the program
- Students looking to develop leadership, facilitation, and logistical skills
- Organized, team-oriented students with strong communication skills and a willingness to learn and grow
What you’ll do:
- Apply the semester before your desired year of service and complete a 30-minute interview
- Commit to a full academic semester (about 10 hours a week) as a coordinator
- Attend weekly Monday Night Meetings (Mondays 4:00-5:00pm) to develop facilitation and leadership skills (attendance at MNM every week is mandatory, so keep this in mind when applying)
- Attend student leader retreats at the beginning of each semester
- Assist with marketing and recruitment for Terps for Change volunteers
- Meet weekly and maintain regular communication with your Co-Coordinators.
- Volunteer at your Terps for Change site weekly.
- Co-facilitate interactive and informative activity plans for 8 weekly one-hour community dialogues.
- Work with Terps for Change staff individually and in Team Debriefs for problem-solving and professional development
- Conduct site visits during the first two weeks of class
- Build community and enhance participation among the T4C participants you work with
Skills you’ll gain:
- Plan and facilitate a quality dialogue experience
- Develop communication and organizational skills
- Analyze social issues as they relate to service
- Understand how social identities impact our lives and society
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Building relationships with community partners and managing logistics
Fall 2026 Participant Application
Application now open! Application closes Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Interview is required for all new participants.
Volunteer
Perfect for…
- First-year students in search of an on-campus community
- First-time service learners
- Those building on previous service experience
- Those interested in deepening their understanding of social issues and inequities
What you’ll do:
- Apply at the start of the semester and complete a 20-minute interview
- Commit to at least one semester of service
- Serve at least 2-3 hours at your site each week for the duration of the program
- Participate in a weekly hour-long dialogue with volunteers from other service sites
Skills you’ll gain:
- Hands-on service experience in a specialized issue area
- Professional development
- The ability to speak across difference about complex topics
Host a Pop-Up Dialogue
Perfect for…
- Student organizations looking to engage members in a discussion about social issues, social identity, inclusion, or community voice
- Student service organizations looking to deepen their reflection and social issue education
What you’ll do:
- Fill out the form linked below to show your interest in hosting a Pop-Up Dialogue
- Have a consultation with a Terps for Change staff member to see if Pop-Ups is the right fit for your organization
- A Terps for Change Coordinator will visit your organization and facilitate a community dialogue and reflective discussion on social issues, social identities, or community voice, depending on the needs and interests of your organization.
- Your leadership has the option to work with our coordinators to design the discussion/activity plan to better suit your org's mission
Connect With Us
- Location: 1110 Stamp Student Union
- Phone: 301-405-9044
- Email: terpsforchange@umd.edu
- Follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook