Students participate in a community service program.

Sister Mary T. Clark, RSCJ Center for Religion and Social Justice

The Sister Mary T. Clark Center for Religion and Social Justice is the heart of Service Learning at Manhattanville University.


Foundational to the Clark Center are the pillars of:

  • Religion and Spirituality
  • Social Justice
  • Activism and Advocacy
  • Community Service

Find an Opportunity Apply for the Clark Scholarship

Clark Center by the Numbers

 
30,000
hours of local and global community service completed by students
$2,000
Sister Mary T. Clark, RSCJ Undergraduate Scholarship
1,000

Undergrads participate each year

 

About the Clark Center

Clark Center volunteers handing out water at the NY Marathon

Community Service

The Sister Mary T. Clark RSCJ Center for Religion and Social Justice is the recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award in recognition of Manhattanville volunteers who complete more than 33,000 hours of service each year. Our service experiences and programs are closely aligned to the academic curricula, ensuring that students are building the intellectual framework and acquiring the skill needed for effective membership in the global community.
Students stand around table getting pep-talk before Midnight Run

Award Winning

The Clark Scholarship Program and the Director of the Clark Scholarship Program, Craig Sevilla Donnelly, were the recipient of United Sates Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award for their commitment to volunteer service to our community partners.

The 25th First Year Clark Scholar Day of Service Orientation program will induct 154 First Year Clark Scholars into this award-winning program.
This program will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 8am-1pm.

 

Clark volunteers working with ARC clients.
Volunteer
Through educational programming on behalf of students, the Clark Center fosters a community where all members are valued and supported. The Clark Center has many volunteer opportunities available for our students and alums.  You can find your next opportunity on The Ville.
Clark volunteers packing for Midnight Run.
Apply by May 1

The $2,000 Sister Mary T. Clark, RSCJ Undergraduate Scholarship is offered to new undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic achievement and outstanding dedication to serving the community. For incoming first year and transfer students, if you have been offered this scholarship opportunity on your scholarship letter you will need to complete your Sister Mary T. Clark scholarship application by May 1st. 

Clark volunteers and Sports Studies students offering water to NYC marathon runners.
Explore

If you are already a Sister Mary T. Clark, RSCJ Scholar, find out how to log your service hours and explore service opportunities. 

Check Volunteer Opportunities

Apply To Be A Volunteer

Enter Hours Served

Clark Center Scholars sorting through clothes.
Our Mission

The Heart of Service Learning at Manhattanville

The Clark Center promotes the development of ethical and socially responsible undergraduate leaders for the global community involving the entire student body offering volunteering and service-learning opportunities. In furthering our goal to create a diverse and engaged community, the Clark Center works closely with student organizations, academic departments, administrative offices, and community groups to promote the exploration and celebration of cultural, ethnic, religious and gender dimensions of our human experience for human flourishing and transformation.

Each year the Clark Center collaborates with regional, national and international partners to foster experiential learning for our students through the integration of our four pillars and their role in in community service activities.

Religion and Spirituality
Support of religious beliefs at the Clark Center is provided by three chaplains representing Catholicism, Judaism and Inter-denominational Christianity. They minister to the spiritual needs of students and staff by offering opportunities for faith sharing, one on one spiritual direction, retreat experiences and celebration of religious rituals.
Spirituality is about getting in touch with one's inner self. A component is self-reflection that deepens awareness of the sacredness and mystery of life. It is approached from a variety of perspectives including prayer, meditation, and relaxation techniques that promote peace of mind, body and spirit. Spirituality can be a belief system that is raised to a lifestyle, making life a sacred adventure.

Clark Center volunteers prepping for a midnight run.

 

Social Justice
Teaching promotes the belief that all people possess an equal and inalienable worth. This essential dignity includes the equitable distribution of resources enabling members to reach their full potential as human persons. Student, faculty and staff are invited to participate in weekly social justice workshops which address issues pertinent to local and global issues.

Activism and Advocacy
Enshrined in the legacy of past President Grace Dammann, who affirmed the right of the first African American student to be admitted to the college in 1938. Today, this pillar invites students to be at the forefront of championing social issues through education, petitions and peaceful demonstrations. Themes such as diversity and racism, responsible stewardship of the environment, LGBTQ-gender equality, as well as justice initiatives related to immigration and homelessness, are often the focus of these actions.
Community Service
Community service experiences abound at Manhattanville. At the Clark Center, this pillar aims to create "ethically and socially responsible citizens" who demonstrate and inspire others through participation in a variety of programs: Big Brother/Big Sister, the Midnight Run, where care packages of essential items are delivered to persons who are homeless in New York City, mentoring programs, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous environmental programs with the Westchester Parks.

Clark Center in the News

Our Students and Staff Honored
Mikela Stephenson
Mikela Stephenson remained undaunted.”
The Examiner News
Manhattanville Grad, Disabilities Advocate Honored for Volunteer Work

"Mikela Stephenson aspired to be – and be treated – just like everybody else when she began her studies at Manhattanville University. Living with severe cerebral palsy, as Stephenson does, might make that proposition sound easier said than done. But the California native, who lives in Rye Brook, remained undaunted."

The Examiner

 

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