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Student Organizations, Leadership, and Service

Vanderbilt Outreach Initiative for Community Empowerment

Program Highlights

The Vanderbilt Outreach Initiative for Community Empowerment (VOICE) provides students with the unique opportunity to engage with the Nashville community through service. This year-long immersive experience gives students the opportunity to complete service with a local community partner, engage in facilitated discussions to enhance their service and leadership development, and gain 1:1 mentorship. Students in the program will:

  • Identify personal and professional connections made through the cohort and community partner site;
  • Find belonging by describing how their identities shape their worldview and connect to the Nashville community;
  • Illustrate compassion through a dedication to the community and resolving issues facing their respective communities;
  • Foster development by effectively communicating how they acquired different skills/experiences;
  • Promote innovation through their own personal leadership philosophy plan to practice sustainable community engagement.

Service

Students will be placed with a local Nashville community partner organization. Students will be required to complete 15 hours of service each month with the organization. Options of service can include being in-person, hybrid, or remote. Transportation will be provided for all in-person service opportunities through Lyft codes.

Leadership

Students will meet bi-weekly to talk about a multitude of topics focusing on different community engagement, service, and leadership development skills.

Eligibility Information

To be eligible to apply, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • All majors are welcome to apply!
  • Can commit to completing 15 hours per month for one year of service
  • Can commit to attending bi-weekly cohort meetings and monthly 1:1 meetings
  • Strong interest in community engagement, leadership, and public service
  • Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors may apply

Application Process

The application process will begin in the Spring of 2025 for the 2025-2026  cohort.