Volunteer, internship fair to showcase more than 50 non-profit organizations

Emelie Milnikel

More than 50 non-profit organization will fill Grand Valley State University’s Henry Hall Atrium tomorrow for the university’s annual Non-Profit Volunteer and Internship Fair.

Organized by GVSU’s Community Service Learning Center and Career Services, the fair allows students to connect with organizations in the greater Grand Rapids area to acquire opportunities to not only build up a resume, but also gain experience necessary for their careers.

Groups like the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan Blood and Lakeshore Pregnancy Center of Allendale will occupy booths at the fair, which will run from 1-4 p.m., to answer students’ questions and encourage volunteerism.

Roughly 200 to 300 students attend the fair every year, but Eric Stevens, graduate assistant for Student Initiatives in the Office of Student Life, said this year could bring even more.

“This semester, we have over 50 organizations that will be at the fair with a large number on the waiting list as well,” Stevens said. “This shows us that the organizations are getting a good amount of volunteers and the demand keeps going up more and more.”

Although resume building may entice students, Stevens said many of them find different advantages to non-profit volunteering.

“I think the experience itself is a huge benefit to the students,” he said. “The more variety on a resume and the more experiences the student has, the better. The more diverse you make yourself as a prospective employee and obtaining more knowledge in general helps tremendously and students get this from volunteering.”

The fair provides students with a number of opportunities each year, ranging from volunteer groups to internships.

Students of all majors and class standings are welcome to attend the fair. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/service/nonprofit-volunteer-and-internship-fair-39.htm.

[email protected]