- Animal Care and Protection
- Youth Development and Education
- Community and Cultural Enrichment
- Support for Different Abilities and Accessibility
- Food Assistance and Nutrition
Community Engagement at Berry College
At Berry College, community engagement is woven into who we are. Guided by our Good Neighbor Culture and our motto, “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” or more plainly stated, not to be served but to serve, we empower students to lead with humility, integrity and care.
Each year, students dedicate over 42,000 hours to meaningful service across Rome, Floyd County and beyond. From short-term volunteer efforts to sustained partnerships and community-engaged coursework, students put their values into practice while preparing for lives of leadership and purpose.
Focus Areas
Berry’s community engagement efforts are organized around nine focus areas to ensure impact is intentional, sustained, and responsive:
- Environmental Conservation and Sustainability
- Health and Medical Support
- Advocacy and Social Impact
- Housing and Shelter Support
Our Impact by the Numbers
42,000+ hours of community service annually
60+ active local and regional partners
30+ community-engaged academic courses
20+ LifeWorks roles placing students with community partners
9 focus areas guiding strategy and student involvement
Signature Programs
Berry Impact
A hub for one-time and short-term service opportunities that allow students to explore causes they care about while responding to immediate needs.
Community-Engaged Courses
Academic offerings that integrate classroom learning with hands-on service, enabling students to engage critically with societal issues.
LifeWorks
Paid positions and work internships that place students in roles with local partners, supporting efforts in areas like nonprofit development, communication, education and research.
Year of Service
A living-learning initiative where students dedicate an academic year to immersive service and civic leadership while living in themed houses.
Bonner Scholars Program
A four-year, scholarship-supported cohort program for students deeply committed to service. Bonner students serve weekly with community partners, develop leadership skills. They also complete capstone projects in their senior year.
National Recognition
Berry College is recognized with the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, honoring our commitment to reciprocal partnerships and meaningful student learning through community-based work.
Get Involved
Whether through service projects, academic partnerships, or community-based student roles, Berry students live out our Good Neighbor Culture every day. To learn more, visit the Office of Belonging and Community Engagement.