Stanbridge University is always aiming higher, through service to their community via their renowned California outREACH Program. Covering sectors most in need, students participating in Stanbridge outREACH are involved in several community-building activities, including serving the homeless, ocean and beach clean-ups, and animal advocacy. Through their work, students develop an uncommon lens of compassion that will become the foundation of their education, character, and future career.

Most recently, Stanbridge University’s outREACH program partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank and began hosting an on-campus, drive-through food pantry to ensure its community is fed. The first event was held on March 20th, to assist students, staff, and their families. This event will be held once per month at the Stanbridge University Irvine campus.

During the March 20th event:

  • 49 total households received food
  • 146 people received food
  • 42 children,107 adults, and 24 seniors received food

This effort is only one of many channels in which the community is served. Stanbridge University’s outREACH program signature initiatives include:

Environmental Rehabilitation

Stanbridge students’ community footprint extends far from just the classroom. In response to devastating wildfires that have decimated the west coast, Stanbridge University is well on its way to reaching a goal of planting 10,000 new trees across the Orange County area via the Root for Change Tree planting initiative.

Food Security

Homeless food insecurity is a major issue in Southern California, and Stanbridge wants to be the catalyst for change. So far, over 1,400,000 pounds of fresh produce and grocery has been delivered by hand via the Free Pantry program, co-founded by Stanbridge. The Food Pantry program works to ensure low-income families across the region do not go hungry or worry where their family is getting their next meal. So far, the Stanbridge community has devoted more than 25,000 community outreach hours working to eradicate hunger across Southern California, with over 62,400 warm meals being handed out.

Disability Community Advocacy

Dreams have been brought to reality for young adults on the autism spectrum and other learning disabilities through initiatives such as the Life College program, giving Stanbridge students and staff the ability to aid these young adults in vital training activities and daily life scenarios, with over 1,500 hours already being devoted to improving the lives of these young adults. Life College students benefit from assistance and training provided by Stanbridge students while simultaneously providing meaningful service opportunities for Stanbridge volunteers. Stanbridge University is also a major contributor to the WAVES project, helping veterans with physical injuries and PTSD with therapeutic diving experiences.

Childhood Literacy

No child should be left empty-handed. Through partnerships with the Little Free Library and elementary schools, Stanbridge University has been able to donate dozens of laptops and facilitate the establishment of free library centers across the region, ensuring areas in which children have limited access to these valuable tools are promised an opportunity to enhance students’ reading and learning experiences.

Animal Welfare Advocacy

The Stanbridge community is not only passionate but steadfast in its belief that animals of all shapes and sizes receive proper care and wellness treatment. To date, Stanbridge has provided 1,547 animals with free or low-cost healthcare services. These services ensure that the animals can be adopted and not lose their lives. The free services provided to animal owners and shelters in the area also allow students to get hands-on training in real-world scenarios such as microchipping, vaccinations, and quality physical examinations.

To learn more about Stanbridge University, from Stanbridge University’s California outREACH Program to what degree programs are available for study, visit stanbridge.edu.

 

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